In the murder/mystery “The Reluctant Virgin,” the streets and laneways of Toronto play as pivotal a role in the plot as the characters. It is the second book in the Toronto Trilogy, and continues where the first book in the trilogy ended. The Second World War is over, and despite the social upheaval caused by the war years, Toronto retains many of its traditional values. However,“Rock and Roll” music is now hitting the Yonge Street bars and clubs, and most citizens are not certain what to think about the new sound, as it seems to espouse a different set of values.
As the story opens, a brutal murder is committed in the secluded darkness of the Humber River Valley. The police discover that the killer has drained the blood of the victim. When they identify the body, they learn that she was a teacher at the high school where the central characters of the story attend. The two detectives assigned to the case must interview the teenagers, as well as the teachers at the school to find the murderer. Meanwhile, further murders are committed by the same killer, the police unaware that the crimes are connected.
As the story unfolds, the sexual attitudes of the community, the teenagers, and the police are exposed. For example, one of the straight-laced detectives is attracted to a witness who is involved in the sex trade. He eventually starts dating her, creating great turmoil in his life, especially among his colleagues. One member of the group of teenagers who attends the high school is thought to be homosexual. This exposes a can of worms that no one wishes to confront, especially the church where he attends. Another teenager in the story becomes pregnant and decides to keep the baby.
“The Reluctant Virgin” is far more than just a murder/mystery. The plot twists and turns as it weaves its way through a myriad of clues, complicated by the sexual attitudes of the decade.
The first two books of the Toronto trilogy are available by following the links:
Arse Over Teakettle: http://bookstore.iuniverse.com/Products/SKU-000132634/Arse-Over-Teakettle.aspx
The Reluctant Virgin : http://bookstore.iuniverse.com/Products/SKU-000188306/The-Reluctant-Virgin.aspx
The book “The Reluctant Virgin”is also available at any Chapters/Indigo store.
To view the author’s Home Page: https://tayloronhistory.com/