Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Seek by Anthony O’Neill – BOOK REVIEW

Title: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Seek

Author: Anthony O’Neill

Publication Date & Publisher: October 16, 2018, Skyhorse Publishing

Genre(s): General Fiction (Adult); Horror(-ish)

Length: 288 pages

ISBN: 9781925143898

My Rating: 3.0/5.0

Description (from Goodreads):

In this dark, atmospheric sequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s timeless classic, the strange case continues with the return of Dr. Jekyll . . . Seven years after the death of Edward Hyde, a stylish gentleman shows up in foggy London claiming to be Dr. Henry Jekyll. Only Mr. Utterson, Jekyll’s faithful lawyer and confidant, knows that he must be an impostor–because Jekyll was Hyde.

But as the man goes about charming Jekyll’s friends and reclaiming the estate, and as the bodies of potential challengers start piling up, Utterson is left fearing for his life . . . and questioning his own sanity.

This brilliantly imagined and beautifully written sequel to one of literature’s greatest masterpieces perfectly complements, as well as subverts, Stevenson’s gothic classic. And where the original was concerned with the duality of man, the sequel deals with the possibility of identity theft of the most audacious kind. Constantly threading on the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, madness and reason, self-serving delusions and brutal truths, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Seek honors the original Stevenson with a thrilling new conclusion.

My review:

The events in Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Seek take place seven years after those in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. While I was familiar with the general Jekyll & Hyde story, I’d never actually read the book. About a chapter in to Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Seek, I decided it would be worthwhile to read the original work. It was definitely beneficial to do so, as it gave me insight into who the main character in this case is.

As Dr. Jekyll has been “missing” for the last seven years, Mr. Utterson, his attorney, friend, and beneficiary, is about to inherit Dr. Jekyll’s estate. But a wrench is thrown in those plans when it appears that Dr. Jekyll has returned to his home, along with a new butler. The story is told from Utterson’s perspective, a man with more knowledge than most of what happened the night Jekyll disappeared and Hyde was found dead. So of course, Utterson is secure in his knowing that the man claiming to be Jekyll, must be in impostor.

Unfortunately, Utterson appears to be a greedy man who is only out to destroy Dr. Jekyll and steal his fortune. And if Utterson came forward and let everyone know what he knows happened to Jekyll seven years ago, he’d be labeled insane and locked away for the rest of his years. He’d never practice law again.

The suspense is high throughout the book in that you’re constantly wondering whether it’s possible Jekyll is alive. You’re left pondering the implications of everything, the motives of just about everyone, right up until the last chapter, where everything is tied together and you’re given a somewhat plausible ending.

While I enjoyed this book a lot, the ending was a bit of a let down. It definitely didn’t end the way I expected and there was something disappointing in that. I’d love to elaborate, but if I tell you how I wanted it to end, then I’d totally spoil the book for you!

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories featuring the characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I also recommend reading the original story when you get the chance!

I received a free review copy of this book through NetGalley. This in no way influenced my review.

What do you think? Have a suggestion for my next read? Leave me a comment below!

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