Thriller novels have been a popular genre amongst readers for years, and two such books that have gained attention are Death du Jour by Kathy Reichs and The Incident – Inferno Rising by Lars Emmerich. Both these novels, though different in their writing styles and themes, offer a thrill and excitement that is enticing for any reader. In this article, we will delve into the plot, characters, themes, and various other aspects of these two novels to compare and contrast them.
Introduction to Death du Jour and The Incident – Inferno Rising
Death du Jour, published in 1999, is the second novel of the incredibly popular forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan series by Kathy Reichs. The story follows Dr. Brennan as she investigates the murders of three elderly women who are affiliated with a Quebec-based religious order. The Incident – Inferno Rising, published in 2019, is a political thriller by Lars Emmerich. The story follows Sam Delgado, a veteran CIA officer, as he uncovers a shocking conspiracy by the US president and his advisers that could lead to a world war.
Despite being from different genres, both Death du Jour and The Incident – Inferno Rising share a common theme of uncovering hidden truths. While Dr. Brennan uses her forensic expertise to uncover the truth behind the murders, Sam Delgado uses his intelligence skills to uncover the conspiracy. Both novels keep the readers on the edge of their seats with their gripping plots and unexpected twists.
Overview of the Plot and Characters in Death du Jour
As mentioned earlier, Death du Jour follows Dr. Brennan’s quest to uncover the truth behind the murders of three elderly women who are affiliated with a religious order. The novel starts with the discovery of a charred body in a burned-out car by Dr. Brennan and her ex-husband Pete. As the plot progresses, Dr. Brennan discovers that the charred body is linked with her investigation of the murders and finds herself caught up in a dangerous web of conspiracy and deceit. The plot of this novel is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the very end.
The novel is centered around Dr. Brennan and her sharp intellect, analytical, and observational abilities. She is a complex character who has a mix of traits that make her stand out. Her character is well-written, and as the series progresses, her past is slowly revealed, adding to the depth of the character.
In addition to Dr. Brennan, the novel also features a cast of interesting and well-developed characters. One of the most notable characters is Detective Andrew Ryan, who works closely with Dr. Brennan on the case. Ryan is a charming and charismatic character who often clashes with Dr. Brennan due to their differing investigative styles. However, as the plot progresses, the two characters develop a mutual respect and understanding.
Another important character in the novel is Sister Elisabeth Nicolet, one of the elderly women who is murdered. Sister Elisabeth is a complex character who is deeply devoted to her faith and her community. Her murder is a catalyst for Dr. Brennan’s investigation and serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in the case.
Overview of the Plot and Characters in The Incident – Inferno Rising
The Incident – Inferno Rising follows the story of Sam Delgado, a veteran CIA officer who uncovers a shocking conspiracy by the US president and his advisers. As the plot progresses, Sam must navigate the dangerous world of politics and espionage to stop the conspiracy and prevent a world war. The plot of this novel is fast-paced and filled with action that keeps the reader hooked.
The protagonist, Sam Delgado, is a flawed and relatable character. He is not only a skilled CIA officer but also a father, and his character is developed well throughout the novel. His motivations and actions make sense, and his character arc is satisfying.
In addition to Sam Delgado, the novel also features a cast of interesting and complex characters. There is Maria, a fellow CIA officer who becomes Sam’s ally in his mission to stop the conspiracy. Then there is the enigmatic and dangerous villain, who is revealed to have a personal connection to Sam. The supporting characters, such as Sam’s family and colleagues, also add depth to the story and help to flesh out the world in which the novel is set.
Comparison of the Writing Styles between Reichs and Emmerich
The writing styles of Reichs and Emmerich are quite different. Reichs’ writing style is descriptive and detailed, with a focus on the accuracy and authenticity of the scientific process. Her writing is very ‘clinical’ and focuses on minute details. Emmerich’s writing style, on the other hand, is more fast-paced and action-filled. His writing is more similar to that of a screenplay; it is plot-driven and action-oriented.
Examination of the Themes Present in Both Novels
Both novels have different themes. Death du Jour delves into issues such as religion, power, and corruption. It explores the intricacies of the Catholic church and their political influence on Quebec. The Incident – Inferno Rising, on the other hand, explores themes of patriotism, war, and political betrayal. It is a novel that explores the darker side of politics and the lengths people are willing to go to protect their interests.
Analysis of the Protagonists in Death du Jour and The Incident – Inferno Rising
The protagonists in both novels are different in their personalities, motivations, and skills. Dr. Brennan in Death du Jour is an analytical and methodical scientist who uses science to solve crimes. Sam Delgado in The Incident – Inferno Rising is a skilled CIA officer who has dealt with multiple conflicts and has a clear understanding of how the world works. The two characters have different skill sets that they use to solve their respective problems.
Discussion of the Antagonists in Both Novels
The villains in both novels are well-written and fleshed out. In Death du Jour, the antagonists are the members of the religious order, who are willing to go to any lengths to keep their secrets hidden. In The Incident – Inferno Rising, the antagonists are the President and his advisors, who are systematically dismantling the political structure of the country. Both antagonists are evil and compelling, giving the reader someone to hate and root against.
Comparison of the Setting and Atmosphere between the Novels
The two novels have different settings and atmospheres. Death du Jour is set in Quebec, Canada and has a cold and dark atmosphere that matches the tone of the novel. The Incident – Inferno Rising, on the other hand, is set in Washington D.C., and has a fast-paced, high stakes atmosphere that reflects the political intrigue in the story.
Themes of Danger and Suspense Explored in Both Novels
Both novels have themes of danger and suspense that keep the reader engaged. In Death du Jour, the danger comes from the religious order and their willingness to do anything to keep their secrets hidden. In The Incident – Inferno Rising, the danger comes from the looming threat of a world war, creating a sense of urgency that keeps the reader on edge.
Exploration of Forensic Science in Death du Jour
One significant aspect that sets Death du Jour apart from The Incident – Inferno Rising is the focus on forensic science. Kathy Reichs, who is herself a forensic anthropologist, infuses her knowledge into the novel, making it an accurate representation of the science behind crime-solving. This aspect adds depth and credibility to the story and makes it an engaging read for forensic enthusiasts.
Examination of Political Intrigue in The Incident – Inferno Rising
The Incident – Inferno Rising is a political thriller that explores the darker side of politics and espionage. Lars Emmerich is a skilled storyteller, and his portrayal of the political system and the inner workings of Washington D.C. is well-crafted. The novel explores themes of betrayal and deceit, giving the reader a glimpse of how the powerful elite make decisions that affect the world.
Conclusion: Which Novel is a Better Read?
Both Death du Jour and The Incident – Inferno Rising are excellent novels that offer a thrilling read. If you are interested in forensic science and enjoy a descriptive, analytical read, Death du Jour is the perfect book for you. If you prefer a fast-paced, action-oriented thriller that explores the darker side of politics, then The Incident – Inferno Rising is the book you should pick up. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference, and both novels are worth a read.