Delirium

London Crime #2

by J.F. Penn

Beyond darkness lies damnation. And beyond damnation… there is only delirium.

In a world gone mad, only the insane can rule.

Still reeling from the death of her beloved daughter, Detective Jamie Brooke needs time to grieve and to heal. What she gets is a call to murder and madness: a prominent psychiatrist has been tortured to death, and it’s up to her to uncover the people responsible, and stop them before they can kill again.

Turning to her friend, Blake Daniel — an antiquities expert cursed with the psychic ability to “see” the bloody histories of objects — Jamie begins an investigation that will take her to the most infamous asylum in history, and a place where insanity is born. A place where rules don’t apply, and where madness is the only law.

She has no idea what she’s getting into. Because Jamie doesn’t know the true history of Bedlam Asylum, the depraved experiments that went on there, or how it leads to the string of murders that could bring the country to its knees.

Worst of all, she doesn’t know about Blake’s connection to Bedlam, to the murders, and to the people willing to execute anyone who stands in their way. And Blake himself doesn’t know the full evil of his own past, or that his gift has put him in the sights of a group who want to use him as a guinea pig for their darkest experiments.

The answers are coming. But some answers bring only pain. Some answers bring only death.

And the worst answers of all bring only DELIRIUM.

The second installment in the thrilling Brooke and Daniel series, Delirium (by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J.F. Penn) presents a chilling world where insanity is the only law, and madness the only way to survive.

Reviews

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book of J.F. Penn's London Psychic series and it also made me thinking about mental illness, about the inhumane abuse (cloaked as treatment) that patients received. That is always a sign of a good book, when it's thought provoking. Heck, I cannot even really condemn the murderer in this one, considering what the victim has done.

There are two things happening here, in my opinion. We have Jamie dealing with the death of a doctor who has been connected to mental illness treatment, but there's also a larger conspiracy of how the government uses this research for their own purpose.

I am definitely intrigued to see how this ends -- especially with Jamie now resigns. I also want to see the romantic possibility between Jamie and Blake is developed :)

[Christine Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Contains minor spoilers from first book***






Returning to work after mourning the death of her daughter, Detective Jamie Brooke is riding the edge between life and waking death. The case she is first tasked with forces her to grapple with her demons as she investigates the murder of a psychiatrist and the corruption of the mental health system. As she discovers, the line between sanity and madness is blurry at best. While personally questioning what this means for her, the nature of police work slowly helps her regain her footing in the world. We also get to know Blake Daniel better, and delve into the supernatural and its connection to mental health. The pace of the story is perfect: each piece built upon the next and even though I never wanted to put it down, the plot never felt rushed. And just when I thought everything was wrapped up, a twist at the end dropped my jaw. Whatever will Jamie Brooke do next?

[Elisabeth Zguta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing intrigue! The reader is immediately at the edge of their seat in the opening scene, where we witness Dr. Christian Monro's physical and emotional trauma while being murdered. We are brought into the death scene, each agonizing step of the way. The detail and the pace are excellent. The suspense is high voltage.
The protagonist Detective Sergeant Jamie Brooke once again is challenged with high stakes. As in the first book of the series, Jamie is going through hell emotionally after the loss of her child, but she is also engaged in the case and wants to understand the true crime. The heroine strives to remain objective while gathering evidence, hoping to see the truth. Along the way many twists in the case elude her, and attempt to veer her from the true crime. She follows the leads and takes the reader down a road of unexpected horrors. Jamie is not faint of heart, but a woman who makes the tough decisions; she is the protector of her co-workers and friends. There is hope - as she is faced with danger even in her most fragile hours, yet somehow finds the strength to prevail.
The subject matter of this novel immediately jolts interest - the history of mental illness treatment and the reminder of abuse done to the mentally ill. This is a topic I too have strong feelings about, and so this story truly hit my heartstrings. The research was done well, as to be expected by this author who always delivers well developed background. This story is not for those wanting a light read, because the reader will be left with some concepts to think about - maybe even choices on how to view others who may not be as fortunate as most. In this world it is too easy to forget about those who suffer with mental illness. Society has swept them from public view, but we know in our heart that more needs to be addressed. I thank the author for writing this riveting story and bringing this topic to the forefront.
To date this is my favorite of J.F.Penn’s books. I truly enjoy reading about Jamie, and this is a great series. Delirium is for anyone who enjoys detective horror thrillers, and is a definite must read.

[Toni Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2, in the London Psychic # 2

This is an amazing book, a psycho- thriller with an edge of the supernatural and one that leaves us questioning whether we aren’t all a little mad in one way or the other.

The story is handled with aplomb and weaves and engaging tale not meant for the faint of heart. There are so many vivid descriptions of rotted bodies, gruesome scenes of torture, colourful visions of demons and many other shocking sightings. This is definitely one of those stories that plunges you into high voltage suspense as the drama moves in agonizing steps into death scenes and leaves you at the edge of your seat from the opening scene. Yakes gruesome…. step aside Marquis de Sade…..This novel immediately jolts interest and never lets go. Set all the horror aside, the plotting is wonderfully done to tease our mind and captivate us till the very last page.

“Delirium” has also a serious side: the history of mental illness treatment and the abuse of the mentally ill. It is evident that Ms. Penn has done intensive research into the illness and with excellence and with finesse she gave us this wonderful story. Religions, psychology, supernatural, the human mind and our attitudes to it are definitely Ms. Penn’s obsessions and expertise. We find strong characterisation both with the heroes and the villains. Returning are Detective Sergeant Jamie Brooke and her reluctant psychic Blake Daniel to help in the case and captivate us throughout the pages.

Although I received a copy from the author “This is the way I see it” and in no way was I influenced by the offer.

[Icy Sedgwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been fascinated by madness and the treatment of it for some time, so I was excited to see the follow up to Desecration was using Bedlam as a source point. Again, JF Penn descends into the darkness, leading us into the depths of human nature to expose our inherent flaws. The writing was as good as Desecration, and I was so engrossed I almost missed my train stop! Highly recommended.

[Mark Tilbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delirium is the second book of the London Psychic series featuring Detective Sergeant Jamie Brook and reluctant psychic Blake Daniel. After events in the Hellfire caves in Desecration, Jamie needs Blake’s help with another case. This time in the old hospital of Bedlam where a psychiatrist has been murdered.

This book delves into the history of treatments given to people with mental illness and the medical profession’s opinions on people with psychic abilities. It is clear that it is an area that interests the author. She writes in-depth passages about treatments and they come across as compassionate to those being treated.

This book can be read as a standalone novel, but would be better read after Desecration so that you can better understand the developing relationship between Jamie and Blake, and what is causing Jamie to think and behave the way she does.

I thoroughly enjoyed the darkness of this book. The treatment of the mentally ill was (and can be) appalling, and whilst you can only imagine what it must have been like to be strapped into a tranquilizer chair, the author makes it so much easier for your mind to do so.

I also appreciated the personal note added by the author after the end of the story. I agree with her about how “there is a spectrum of madness in all of us, it’s just a matter of degree.”
Excellent.

[Russell Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanna Penn's latest thriller is Delirium,the second book in her London Mysteries Series, featuring Detective Sergent Jamie Brooke (at her most vulnerable) and her side-kick Blake Daniel, museum researcher by trade, with extrasensory visionary capacities (at his most desolate). Delirium continues to showcase Joanna's increasing talent for combining depth of research while probing the outer limits of the depravity of her villains as linchpins in developing her unique and fascinating characters. Her scholarly background at Oxford and her keen interest in shadow psychology never leads to dumping information on the reader, but rather serves to spark her plot along at an ever increasing pace. One gets drawn in from the first paragraph and the "bite" of the story never lets go. One ends the last page with a shout, "More, Joanna, more!" An added appeal of this novel is Joanna's inclusion of an appendix, revealing her own psychic demons she struggles with but which also serve as rich soil for her dark imagination. Even before I interviewed Joanna in the pages of Dream Network Journal I knew she was one writer I wanted permanently on my plate! Delirium is a great meal. Indulge yourself. Russell Lockhart, Ph.D. Author of Words As Eggs and Psyche Speaks

[Eric Praschan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desecration raised the bar for J.F. Penn’s thriller writing, and Delirium elevates it even higher. Her protagonist, Jamie Brooke, has an emotional resonance and genuine pathos that gives her a relatable quality. Jamie’s grief over the loss of her daughter, Polly, and her struggle to stay confident and in control of her work at the police force generates a stirring conflict as she delves into the macabre world of madness brought on by the bizarre murders in London. Jamie’s clairvoyant friend, Blake Daniel, must assist with the case while dealing with own demons and confronting the abuse from his father, a harrowing experience which leads him down a rabbit hole of his family history.

Penn weaves a wickedly riveting tale that deftly deals with the spectrum of madness in the human mind, specifically how humanity reacts to its own deviations from perceived “normality." With vivid settings, gruesome killings, and intense interpersonal conflicts, Penn serves up an unforgettable menu for the senses. Delirium explores the dark corners of the mind in fascinating fashion, and this reader can’t wait to see what other dark corners Jamie Brooke will be visiting next time…

[Marvin Imus · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening scene in the book until the last sentence you are taken for a trip through the the mind. Detective Jamie Brooke has another case she solves with the help of Blake Daniel, a psychic from the first book, Desecration. Jamie and Blake once again team up, each bringing a unique talent to solve a series of murders in London. Each has their own issues and demons to resolve and yet through perseverance and persistence they are able to not only grapple with their own minds to solve the murders but also realize a connection to each other that excites me to read further adventures as Penn writes them. Penn has the ability to take the reader into the dark corner of the mind and examines the way society, and ourselves, interprets mental illness and insanity. I have enjoyed her writing immensely and look forward to more.

[A.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Madness is judged by degrees. At what line does grief tip into depression? When does depression become Depression? How do these things work in families? Can genetics have a place in mental health?
Jamie is still deep in mourning for her daughter. Blake sends her cute photos every day but is keeping his distance.
Bedlam is now a museum but returns to it’s ghosts of the past when the body of a prominent psychiatrist is found there. Searching his office reveals a shadow clinic where he treats patients with drugs, pain and sex. They consent to this, but what about patients who don’t or can’t give full consent?
An up and coming Member of Parliament, Matthew Osborne, is campaigning for changes to mental health after the death of his sister. He is particularly against a secret government department that experiments on the mentally ill. He wants RAIN exposed and shut down.
Meanwhile, Blake learns that his father is dying and wants to see him.
Osborne’s sister Lyssa was an artist but her art illustrated her ‘treatment’.
As more bodies pile up and incidents of public madness rise, the question is: is it RAIN or someone else?
***
As the author points out, we all have moments or life circumstances that push us close to the edges. And it makes sense that the military and the government may want to investigate this. Penn calls her group RAIN.

Research into Advanced Intelligence Network (RAIN) is based on the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Agency (IARPA). This real American agency "invests in high-risk, high-payoff research programs that have the potential to provide the United States with an overwhelming intelligence advantage over future adversaries." I'm sure the British must have an equivalent!
Author’s note

I’d bet money on it, too.
I remember seeing a Tumblr post about madness and creativity. The original poster argued that Van Gogh wouldn’t have made art if he’d been on medication and they got soundly roasted for it. He made MORE art when he was happy and well-balanced.
There’s a lot of politics here; naturally, these are big issues.

"People forget that it was the Americans in the 1920s who started the enforced sterilization of the mentally ill based on the assumption of bad breeding. Hitler only followed their example, targeting the mentally ill before the Jews or gypsies. The mad were the first to be slaughtered, and there is still considerable prejudice against them. It wouldn't take much to tip people back into the old ways of thinking. I have my suspicions that Monro wasn't too far from those thoughts."

And

Jamie couldn't see how a civilized country like Britain would ever allow the death penalty when it condemned countries like China, Iran and Pakistan, while at the same time turning a blind eye to the United States.

There’s also a lot of graphic descriptions.
I did find myself skipping parts, but it’s a short read and it leaves plenty of room for the sequel.
It also makes sense that Blake’s father has the same visions that he does. He turned to religion when Blake turned to alcohol.
Here, Blake is the damsel in distress when RAIN kidnap him. Jamie has to rescue him, AFTER she’s done her police work. The woman is nothing if not single minded.
The arc that Cameron, the Chief of Police, is involved in all these super secret organisations may be plausible, but surely they’d just knock Jamie off her bike one night? Or Section her for mental instability? I find it a stretch, and now she’s resigned from the police, he can’t control her. We’ll see, I suppose, in book 3. Which I have. [no, AM - you have a boxed set? *laughs at self*]
Weird thing: Using ‘for’ as a linking word is a style thing with Joanna and once I’ve noticed it, I can’t unsee it.

He had to leave her, for there had been no other way. (p. 275).

It’s everywhere…
3 stars