Fall Of Man In Wilmslow

Despite the mark he made in history, the name Alan Turing was probably unfamiliar to most, until recently, due in part to Benedict Cumberbatch's Oscar-nominated portrayal in the 2014 biopic, "The Imitation Game."

For those not in the know, Turing was a mathematician and computer scientist from London who helped crack coded messages that helped defeat the Nazis during World War II. He was later prosecuted for homosexual acts, which explains why there had been no earlier mention of his achievements. In 1954, Turing died from cyanide poisoning in an apparent suicide.

In "Fall of Man in Wilmslow," from Swedish author David Lagercrantz, who penned "The Girl in the Spider's Web," a young detective investigating Turing's death becomes obsessed with the circumstances surrounding his demise, and in turn, puts himself in danger after stumbling upon seemingly classified, top secret information.

Upon arrival at the scene, when Leonard Corell learns a poisoned apple killed Alan Turing, he isn't convinced the scholar took his own life. As Corell searches the home seeking something more evidentiary, like a suicide note, instead he spots an unfinished letter and slips it into his pocket. Meanwhile, Corell's findings are subject to inquiry not only by his superiors but also high government officials, which further piques his curiosity.

As the detective traces the contents of the letter and becomes more aware, albeit uncomfortably, of Turing's alternative lifestyle, the investigation awakens some of the ghosts of Corell's own past, particularly his intellectual father, who aspired for Leonard to be a renowned academic.

Corell becomes preoccupied with Turning's published works and theories which, however dense, make for interesting reading. Even more thought-provoking is the thin line Corell walks as he develops an idolatry of the mathematician and logician's mind, yet still reviles the manner in which he lived his personal life. Furthermore, Corell is taken aback when his mother-figure aunt defends Turing and berates her nephew for judging him.

A formidable game of cat-and-mouse ensues when Corell, misrepresenting himself and his authority, continues to make inquiries after the case is effectively closed. Corell ultimately arrives at his own conclusions that aren't all that far from the truth, which unintentionally and unfortunately place him in even greater danger.

"Fall of Man" is an engaging, impressive page-turner, rife with intrigue and compelling, important history. Above all, Leonard Corell is a fascinating, upstanding protagonist whose personal journey makes an especially entertaining novel all the more worthwhile.

"Fall of Man in Wilmslow"
David Lagercrantz
Knopf
$26.95