Assessment:
Plot: The plot has a good blend of real life-inspired events, social issues, and a mystery that not only keeps readers on their toes but also has a very surprising ending. There's even a good amount of humor infused into the plot.
Prose: Kirby does a wonderful job of keeping the prose smooth and interesting, and the subjects seamlessly tied together. There are only a few instances in the storyline where the momentum gets a bit weighed down by too many detailed facts,
Originality: This story has a refreshingly different point of view regarding college life and the mystery occurring on campus. Readers will find this a fresh read.
Character Development: The characters presented in this book are all very well-written, each exhibiting subtle quirks, from humorous to scary and unstable. Every character stood out as an individual and their arcs are clear and well rendered.
Date Submitted: August 21, 2018
Kirby writes in a a steady, polished prose that deftly captues the staid scholasticism of academia...The author clearly has an insider's knowledge of how a university operates, and he offers some valid critiques of the increasingly corporate model. —Kirkus Reviews
Alan Kirby has created a first-class mystery that also puts on display his intrinsic knowledge of university life. He cleverly interlaces real life events to bring story line issues into focus. There is also some welcome humor. In the Shadow of the Ivory Tower is well-written and well thought out, peopled with solid, believable characters. I do not hesitate to recommend it. —Reader's Favorite (5 Stars)
In Alan Kirby's In the Shadow of the Ivory Tower, a thrilling mystery unfolds on an idyllic college campus. The plot engages the reader from the first paragraph to the last. It seems there may be a lone sociopath who wreaks havoc on campus, but that remains conjecture until the last pages. This adds an interesting psychological twist to the story line. The story is told from the perspective of the narrator, (Professor) Kelly. It is a balanced combination of action, personal relationships, and his experiences and thoughts. Author Alan Kirby has created an intriguing and thought-provoking novel with In the Shadow of the Ivory Tower. There are many twists and turns in the story, and the ending is unforeseen and simply clever. One has to hope that Coop and Kelly will team up again; this would be a wonderful series! —Reader's Favorite (5 Stars)
