The Morning Drop

Without question the best-written work I've read on the site so far.
The flow is superb - the tone is contemporary to the time, but somehow still sounds fresh and natural, rather than carefully constructed. (Unlike novels that rely on a steady supply of stereotyped characters, regional accents and painfully accurate historical detail to establish authenticity. There are no "top 'o the mornin's" in this Dublin tale is what I'm trying to say.) He introduces centuries old science and makes it as compelling as the latest advances in forensic criminology.
Caleb Carr did it in The Alienist and Andrew Hughes more than accomplishes the feat in The Morning Drop.
And the main character. This is the part that knocks me sideways - and I don't know how you did it. How you created a character so thoroughly detached, so indifferent in ways both petty and monstrous and make me care what happens to him.
I'll admit the first couple of chapters made me think I had missed a beat or the author had.
Surely John Delahunt would reveal a hint of fineness of character, or a shred of hidden depths – or even arch his eyebrow in a way that would suggest a redeemingly wicked sense of humour. Come on. Let me related to him! Show me his endearing sensitivity to animals so I can sit back and settle into the familiar. Because that's the rule. Right? Wrong. At least so far for this character... and now I hope all the way to the end.
John Delahunt doesn't make me care about what happens to him – he makes me care about happens next.
I don't know how you did it, but I care that you keep doing it.
Ku-tres
(Kudos didn't seem enough.)

Jane

The most gripping thing I have read in some time. From the first sentence, I was immersed in the mind of your character and the setting expanded from there--the cell, the immediate situation, the visitors introducing Dublin/outside. And then the disturbing glimpse at a childhood action--you have promised a weirdly unsettling narrator's voice and that is what you've delivered; however, first person requires some sympathy and I felt that too. Maybe just because he seems intelligent. I've no doubt that the reader's loyalties will be challenged throughout this novel and that would probably be half the fun of it. But this first chapter is masterful, truly great and if I hadn't continued reading afterwards for too long, I'd have enough time to write more. I'll just say...a rare six stars from me. Loved this.

Andrew - this is riveting. Your evocation of Dublin is Joycean, your phlegmatic protagonist gives us, in the detail he chooses to describe, an unspoken narrative of his feelings. The material is confidently handled, the sense of period makes me wonder if you wrote this with an inkpen sitting on the steps nside the Dublin Museum of Natural History in Merrion Square. What a pleasure it will be to read this in print. Go maíth! 6 stars and a place on my March shelf awaits. Frances K

I want this on my REAL bookshelf! From the very first line I was hooked. I love the way you take the reader inside the cell, and the mind, of such an interesting, off-beat character. The early scene with the phrenologist is wonderful - it is such a bizarre yet fascinating pseudo-science, and it really helps to transport the reader to a very different time. The more I read of it, the better it gets. Flawless language throughout, an expertly-drawn historical setting and a compelling plot - what more could an historical fiction fan ask for?!

Definitely a six star read that's going on my virtual bookshelf... and hopefully, before too long, on my real bookshelf too!

A single chapter -- hell, a single paragraph -- was all it took for me to know this book would be landing solidly on my shelf. Brilliant narrative voice, compelling and convincing dialogue, and nice tinges of dark humor.

You've changed my mind about historical novels and period pieces.

Backed and then some. Six stars.

Now strap yourself in and prepare for a rapid rise up the rankings.

Kudos,

GL

can I have your spot when you are done with it? Well done, indeed. Great work.

Andrew
What a fantastic story. From the first chapter it was gripping and had me hooked. Your back-story was detailed and descriptive and you adequately "showed without telling"... The characters were historically authentic, the landmarks, streets, prison and house descriptions all created real visuals and cascaded me into the story.

Not only did we watch and wonder about the "punishment", but we felt the emotion held by all involved. Totally engrossing...
I am not an expert but I can see this book stacked on a round table, situated in the middle isle of Easons being snapped up by the masses.

What a magnificent piece of work.
Congratulations and thanks for reliving and bringing my childhood history lessons to life...

Good Luck with the last lap of this journey!
Thanks
FC

Max stars!

Hi Andrew,

After reading the first two chapters of The Morning Drop, I count it a high honor to sit next to you on the editor’s desk. You are a remarkably gifted writer and that shows in the steady cadence of John Delahunt’s measured thoughts. And as I read your book, fiction became fact and I forgot that John was merely a figment of someone’s imaginings - that there was someone behind John’s character, meticulously choosing words that would direct his every thought, action, and motive and bring him to life so that your readers could experience his death.

I was completely drawn into John’s strange, sullen world without any realization that I had left my own. That is the true test of an excellent writer. Can he give his audience respite from their everydayness? Can he develop a world so convincing that the reader can lose themselves in it, if only for a little while? You can and you did. Highest stars!

Dianna Lanser
Nothing But The Blood

P.S.

Chapter one - “I drew one shutter ajar, enough to allow a rectangle of light (to) fall upon the writing desk.”

Chapter two - “Mrs. Joyce had bought (brought) in provisions…”

Andrew
I don't read that much in the way of historical fiction, but I found myself enjoying this. It's very well written and I'm sure you'll find success with it. I'll stick it on my shelf. Good luck.
Charlie

Andrew,
have read all 5 chapters. and as your ranking would indicate this is fascinating reading.
Very well written and very much a period piece.
dialogue and descriptions are first rate.
always more creepy when you are writing about real people.
sure to get published!
:)
Diane

I just finished reading chapter one of your novel, and I was instantly hooked. Your dialogue runs extremely smoothly with what is going on at the time. Your concept is quite interesting, which makes the reader, such as myself, want to read more of it. I really hope you finish it soon, because I am definitely going to be coming back for more.

I have given your book a full rating, as it is, all in all, the best written book I have encountered on autonomy so far. The writing is clear, vigorous and muscular. It draws satisfyingly vivid scenes with a maximum of economy. I particularly like the style. Many times I feel that writers on autonomy feel they have to be literary, and like to twist and contort ordinary language to achieve an effect. I'm glad to see that you haven't gone that route, and stick to an unaffected, strong vernacular that is shorn of whatever could be deemed idiosyncrasy for the sake of idiosyncrasy.

Just finished chapter one of your novel and am blown away. The narrative flows exceptionally well and your character is absolutely fascinating. Dark and gripping, his thoughts give me the chills, yet I can't help but wonder what he'd think next, what his views on his final hours would be. You've captured this killer's voice very well and left me in a very gray area. Should I care about him, should I not? All I know for sure is I am definitely intrigued and will be backing this for sure.

- Helena Cross
THE LAST WYVERN

Amazing book! I love the mind of this character and how he can profile people. This is definitely worthy of the Editor's Desk without question. You trap the reader in this book immediatley and you mesmerize their mind with all the descriptions, high vocabulary, and excellent writing. No doubt one of the best books I've read on the site so far. I am staring this very highly!
Excellent work
S.C.

I have finished reading and have not been disappointed (well perhaps a little by the fact it is not finished). It seems you have a lot write to explain why he is waiting for 'the morning drop'.

Anyway the writing flows smoothly and makes me feels you have been transported from the past to now to write this (where is your time machine?) I never thought I would see mooning being put so eloquently 'ample white flesh and dark heart'.

I like your main character and don't want him to die, he can't possible have done anything that would warrant hanging, I know I am just going to cry my eyes out if, or when he hangs... sign of good writing. He is believable and you can sympathise with his plight; no money, no prospects and likes a girl.

I am only gutted that it looks like were not (actually i mean i'm not) going to get to read the full version as your going to be reviewed at the end of the month. If that is the case then i hope to see it out soon as I just need to know.....

All the best with the rest of the book (mumble, gutted, mumble, finish, mumble, hurry).
You deserve to get the book published.

Sarah :)

One more comment. I know this sounds arrogant and assuming, but change that title! It doesn't do justice to the work in my opinion. A title can be very engaging, and help hook your reader. This one tells me not to read that book.

Thank you for inviting me to read your book. I finished the first two chapters, and I am pleased to say it was a rewarding experience. You have a excellent prose style. The descriptions keep us grounded in every scene, and your mix of storytelling techniques is very effective. I believe the strength of the story is the way you engage the reader's interest with a story about a man who appears to be falsely accused of a capital crime with the death sentence as a result. The suspense you create is compelling, and the hook you have to keep someone reader is outstanding. The prose is well crafted, and very readable. The way you solicit interest in your story and the main character creates a novel that, so far, to me, is quite marketable. I urge you to keep writing. You have an excellent prose style that is readable and keeps the reader's attention. Your balance of dialogue, description, and narration spins scenes that are involving and memorable. I enjoy the historical setting, and you keep the references true to the time. The only grammatical problems I noted were a couple of times you joined two independent clauses with "and" without a comma. You should probably fixe that. Sometimes the complex vocabulary and a couple of complex phrasings made me stop reading. Avoid "name-calling" with a fancy word. One of your best assests as an author is the ability to keep the reader moving forward, and you don't want to do anything to interrupt that.
Thanks again for inviting me to read. I expect you will soon be able to locate your book on my bookshelf. If you can offer me some tips on my book, The Magic of Fren, that would be greatly appreciated.

Rich

I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction, but this is a great story. Loved getting inside Delahunt's head - you handle the portrayal of his thoughts very well, quite captivating. I'm intrigued with where this is headed, and would buy it!
6 stars :)
Jack

I don't generally read the genre so I came to this with open eyes. I must admit I have become very absorbed. It's very evocative with some lovely descriptions, especially the study and College Green -- I could see these places absolutely vividly. The writing style made me read closely and attentively; it wasn't a light frivelous read but something darker and more earnest. Also, I agree with the fact that it's nice that you've avoided the stereotypes and cliched Irish phrases and the like -- I look forward to reading more when I have more time to really lose myself in it. Nice. Good luck with it!

The summary drew me in instantly, very captivating. The beginning of the story was not a disappointment. :)). I was impressed by your writing style too. You have a great imagination there.

fascinating read- good flowing style that works very well indeed...
backed...
read SEASONS...

This is absolutely love this story and the main character. You really have a way of getting the reader into the scene and into the man head. Reminds me of a new version of the old Sherlock Holmes type of crime books. The nonchalance of the character, his crimes and his fate is remarkable and yet the pieces of his life that he himself finds facinating and warrenting reflection is extremely well written. This is definitely going on my shelf. Thank you for sharing.

Wonderful to see historical fiction in the lead. I would take that genre before any other for the pleasure of both reading and writing. You've done a great job with this topic.

A very clear and easy read. I feel like I am actually in the story myself. The detail is perfect and concise to what might occur in the mind of reader, if placed in such circumstances. High stars to a great book and the best of luck! Thank you for the opportunity.

BillyD (David) The Life Inside Maggie Pincus

I meant to say about your story that its start, with John Delahunt wondering about treatment of his remains right after death was a truly unique way of gaining the reader's interest. It certainly caught me in any case.
In Chapter three the leadup to the hanging made me shiver and move right into horror and dismay when the murderess fainted not once but TWICE.
Then you have Chapter four in which the protagonist shows himself to be a pretty unsavoury fellow by means of your plenteous yet relevant details.
High adventure and the apparent unfolding of a romance for added entertainment.

This was the first book to go on my bookshelf, and I feel duty bound to provide some review, but reading comments below, I find most of it has been already said.

The writing here is first class, and althoygh this is not my typical fayre, I was sufficiently captivated by the opening mystery to keep going with it.

As I write this, this is the top editor's pick, and it should remain there.

I like to offer some constructive criticism, but the prose is better than anything I would write, and any issues I have with the story are down to taste, so I won't say anything. It will be interesting to see what a professional editor makes of it (as it will surely top this month's list).

Andrew, Right from the gate I was immersed into this story and it's not really a book I would normally read, but I love being able to get into the mind of the main character and you did that with such effortlessness to the reader. I can see why this book is number one. Highly starred. I wish you the best

I just finished the first chapter, and found it to be both chilling and hilarious in spots, particularly the phrenologist's conviction of his own astuteness. You create a very good atmosphere and, already (perhaps erroneously; I don't know) I feel sorry for this man, whatever he has done or not done. You have a gift for writing, too, that is not often seen!

To be completely honest I was a little apprehensive going on to read this after seeing the blurb as this is not normally the type of book I would read but I believe in trying something new at least once a day. So I read on – never have I ever been so glad to go against my normal instinct.
It is a beautifully, well written story that had me captivated from the opening section that made me want to read more and more.
The plot is compelling and my interest increased with every word.
Fantastic piece of work and something I am very glad I read and hope to read more.
Much love
Erikah Jayne x

I understand why you are number one on this site. Great suspense. Good charcters. great attention to detail, which is a must for me and a narrative that fits this kind of novel, You don't need it, but I am backing you

Having just read the first two chapters I must say your story starts superbly. The older brand of English is lovely and I find your descriptions to be perfect, neither over- nor underdone. Many creative word combinations. I'll keep reading because of the suspenseful nature of the tale. So far - maximum number of stars!
When you read Grow, Edna! you'll have to find your inner child because it's about what the title says. I look forward to your impressions of it.

i stand corected...i asked for a month...i havent been online for a while so forgive me i didnt know you already rank number one...congrats on that...and im now going to hurry my decision right now...best of luck
Nagwa

Hello Andrew:

I read through the first couple chapters of The Morning Drop and was impressed with literary quality of this novel. I felt like I was reading a 19th century classic.

I have added your book to my watchlist.

Cheers and blessings.

James

I was intrigued by the pitch and found the opening chapters brilliantly original. The first paragraph where the MC talks about what will happen to his remains is a stellar start to a book.
I love your main character's voice - the line 'Then again, if he was convinced of his calling perhaps he could not bring himself to touch his head. maybe he was loath to scratch an itch, or fix his hat, lest he happen upon an unsettling trait' I thought particularly brilliant.
Also, the line about the plaster cast being taken 'after your punishment' left me breathless with horror.
You describe the Dublin setting beautifully and the line 'decades of grime had given every surface a polished black varnish,' is just an example of how well you set the scene.
I don't feel qualified to criticise anything about this book and I believe you well deserve your current place in the ranks.
Best of luck
Kirstie

This is very well written and the language fits the era well. In fact the whole feel is right. The first person narrative can be hard to pull off but you do it well here and the story works. I want to read more!
Note in chapter 5: discrete - should be discreet.

Without question the best-written work I've read on the site so far.
The flow is superb - the tone is contemporary to the time, but somehow still sounds fresh and natural, rather than carefully constructed. (Unlike novels that rely on a steady supply of stereotyped characters, regional accents and painfully accurate historical detail to establish authenticity. There are no "top 'o the mornin's" in this Dublin tale is what I'm trying to say.) He introduces centuries old science and makes it as compelling as the latest advances in forensic criminology.
Caleb Carr did it in The Alienist and Andrew Hughes more than accomplishes the feat in The Morning Drop.
And the main character. This is the part that knocks me sideways - and I don't know how you did it. How you created a character so thoroughly detached, so indifferent in ways both petty and monstrous and make me care what happens to him.
I'll admit the first couple of chapters made me think I had missed a beat or the author had.
Surely John Delahunt would reveal a hint of fineness of character, or a shred of hidden depths – or even arch his eyebrow in a way that would suggest a redeemingly wicked sense of humour. Come on. Let me related to him! Show me his endearing sensitivity to animals so I can sit back and settle into the familiar. Because that's the rule. Right? Wrong. At least so far for this character... and now I hope all the way to the end.
John Delahunt doesn't make me care about what happens to him – he makes me care about happens next.
I don't know how you did it, but I care that you keep doing it.
Ku-tres
(Kudos didn't seem enough.)

Jane

Brilliant- captured my imagination from the first sentence, and although a dark subject, full of humour.

This is a fantastic piece of work and one I would happily pay to read. You have created a world so real and colourfulit is all to easy to emerse yourself in it. Whilst I could only read the chapters available it is easy to see you have a flair for detail and capturing interest. From the beginning I wanted to read on, to know more. You've built solid characters and a splendid story. Congratulations indeed!! A very fine piece of work and I wish you all the best with it,

Laura.

An extreme interesting read and knowledge. Very nicely structured and discribed. Good job!

I read the first two screens worth then had to stop. I need this to be published. It's so up my street it's practically next door. I need to read it on pages so I can sit down with it for hours, not on a screen where my eyes are going square.

The atmosphere you create is first class, and expertly achieved. The asides are entertaining, witty, but not obtrusive to the story line. The language is sparing but illuminating - incredibly cleanly written. The setting is well revealed and introduced gently, without hitting the reader over the head with it.

And that's before I talk about the plot. The concept is fascinating, almost Russian - a condemned man recounting what led him here. We know the end, but it doesn't matter because the world in which it happened is so compelling that we want to find out everything - the how, the who, the why.

Downsides? Well, would need to tread the rest to find any, but right now, nothing is leaping to mind!

Andrew, recommended to me by Cara :)
Your book is amazing, well written, original, chilling... I love being inside Delahunt's mind and you portray the character very skillfully. I imagine it would be hard to create this sort of atmosphere, so well done! Six stars and watchlisted, you should reach the desk this month and I'll keep an eye out for you :)
Nat

Good to see a great book about a long drop going to the top. Deserves it.

(Hist. Fiction Group)
This is an absorbing read and difficult to put down. It's easy to see why it's made #1 in only a few months. To read the story from Delahunt's POV (which is likely an "unreliable" one) makes it all the more interesting. This story was meant to be in first-person; great choice there.
I only saw a couple of things:
Chapter 3
“holding a Bible”: you forgot to capitalize Bible
Chapter 5
“roofs” should be “rooves”
Congratulations on your place at the top!
~Hannah

Extremely well written Andrew. It grips you immediately, as others have mentioned, and before you know it the chapters over. This is the way it should be. You want more. I have read several similarly themed published books and this, so far, would be there equal or better. I genuinely look forward to reading more.

I love novels like this, particularly those set in London or as in your case, Dublin in the middle of the nineteenth century. Your characters are well scripted and really come to life. A gripping tale from the start, will read more when I have the time.
Tony

Where did you find the cover art?

wicked start. i love this era and the styles and inventions of the time would love to read more.

if you could take a look at the time of my death that would be great, its a W.I.P but the gist is there.

Hi Andrew
I can see why you are at number 3! This is a well-crafted novel that is highly ambitious in subject matter. Written from a murderer's point of view, will we grow to like him or despise him? I have only had time to read up to chapter 3 and I am not sure as yet.
Your first chapter is excellent, I enjoyed your satirical descriptions of the assistant and his relationship with Dr Armstrong. You also reveal key elements of your intriguing story in a clever and obscure way. It is highly engaging and the reader wants to know more straight away - especially when we hear of the note left on the dead child.
In chapter 2 and 3 I did find some of the changes in dialogue a little off-putting. Sometimes you have chosen to paraphrase what people have said, and sometimes you have directly quoted them. When you do quote your characters, their remarks are highly polished. While the paraphrasing is also often engaging, sometimes it seems like broad brushstrokes - when I would have preferred to have heard fine detail. Does that make any kind of sense? I would also have been keen to know more about his relationship with O'Neil and why he was happy to diss him - you said a little bit, but I perhaps wanted more. Also, what is it about Stokes that he wanted to protect more?
You have a very compelling plot that is a real page turner (or mouse scroller-downerer) and you write clearly and expressively and I am very drawn to your novel. Good luck with it - I am sure it will get to the desk this month! Oh - I will also highly star it!
Cheers

I have to say that this is beautifully written and I would be hard pushed to give it the critique it is indeed worthy of, without having the more unhindered sensation of time to mull it over in print through the pages of a book, rather than the haste that one always seems to feel online. This is a read that would end up with some dog ears and one book in my collection that would be seriously well thumbed from repeat reading. There are few books in my collection that have fallen apart, which does not happen to books read once. This would be one of those few.

Andrew

You can write and write well, there is absolutely no doubt whatsoever about your talent which can easily hold its own with anything out there at the moment.

Whether the eds desk will pick up the marketability in their review I don't know. In my view you have been born a hundred years too late which is a shame.

This is going to sound weird but your book was the first one I actually wanted to print out because two thirds through the chapter you lost me. I believe that reading on a computer screen diluted your work. A brutal editor might have chopped a third out of the chapter (which is a shame).

You don't need me to wish you luck but I wish it anyway. They eds desk rarely ask for the full manuscript but I hope you buck the trend.

Five stars

Maria

This is a really excellent piece of work. There is a cynicism that really resonates within the character. He is excellently drawn. Entirely backed!

Very interesting first chapter. I would never have thought of using phrenology to start a book, but it still makes a good chapter.

kiddies, a reader

That was a thoroughly enjoyable read, with vivid descriptions of a bygone age, an intriguing storyline and some superb character development. I don't have any major criticisms, because I think it’s a very good piece of work, but I do have a few, very minor comments, some of which may just be my own personal take, so please feel free to ignore them.
At the beginning of chapter 2, it is not quite clear whether he is going to write his story or simply make a statement. Has the thought of writing the statement made him reminisce or is he actually writing it all down? Another very minor point is that I found the fight breaking out to be a bit sudden and I felt you might want to build it up a little first, even if you just mention that the debate was getting more heated etc.
There were a couple of occasions where there was some very detailed descriptions of things that seemed to be unnecessary details, such as the moustache dipping in the water. You would need to look closely to see that sort of thing and would only be likely to notice it, for example if the truncheon had rolled against his face, or if it was a particularly long and notable moustache. The other instance occurs when he is being accompanied by the unknown stranger (Sibthorpe) and there is the incident with the horse and the sound of a spiked gate. Both of which seem to distract from the main scene rather than adding to it.
The story jumps a bit too abruptly, for me, between the party and the hanging, especially when the rest of your transitions have been very good.
And finally, a pig’s constitution is probably as strong, if not stronger than a man’s, so I would be surprised if something that is slowly killing a man will instantly kill something as large as a pig.
It is very deservedly on my shelf and I hope that this is helpful rather than excessively nit picky.

The Morning Drop

The prose is brilliantly written with a lack of feeling and conviction in the first person's voice, and the language used in the descriptions reflects the time period well. The pacing runs smoothly and the additional characters appear even more cold and gray than the protagonist. There are no criticisms at this time. Well done.

Highest marks and BACKED.

Michael Hebler - "Night of the Chupacabra"

The Morning Drop

The prose is brilliantly written with a lack of feeling and conviction in the first person's voice, and the language used in the descriptions reflects the time period well. The pacing runs smoothly and the additional characters appear even more cold and gray than the protagonist. There are no criticisms at this time. Well done.

Highest marks and BACKED.

Michael Hebler - "Night of the Chupacabra"