An Absolute Gentleman
by R. M. Kinder
Published by Counterpoint
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Reviewed by Patricia E. Reid
Arthur Blume appears to be a gentleman. He also appears to be rather dull and set in his way. To the outside observer, Arthur is a rather boring person. He puts forth his best efforts at teaching but never seems to become successful as an outstanding teacher. Arthur had one book published early in his career but publishers have rejected his other writing. It seems the only thing Arthur has made a real success of is killing.
Arthur began his journey through life in a small town in Georgia. His mother, Mary Blume, suffered from episodes of madness. Today she might be diagnosed and be able to live a normal life with medication. In later years, Mary was able to control her actions and was much more aware of Arthur and his flaws than Arthur could have thought possible. Arthur never knew the identity of his father.
When Arthur takes up a teaching position at a small college in Mason, Missouri, he becomes involved with another teacher. Grace Burch begins a relationship with Arthur but she is careful to keep that relationship very private. As time goes on Grace begins to notice strange things about Arthur but fails to derive a conclusion until it is too late to save one of her friends.
Arthur relates his life story in flashbacks. He is unsure of the number of people he has killed. His lack of guilt over these deaths is terrifying.
Author R.M. Kinder went through a personal relationship with a serial killer. She has used her personal experience to try to relate to the reader what goes on in the mind of a killer.
Absolute Gentleman will make you take a closer look at your friends and neighbors. Who knows what secrets they may be hiding?
Armchair Interviews says: Very suspense-filled read.
Author’s Web site: http://www.RMKinder.com