Heather’s Bookshelf: A Consequence of Sin
Author: Frederick James
Released: 11/15/20
Genre: Murder Mystery
“The Caribbean air grows heavy early as the sun heats the thick and humid air. When the sun crept above the eastern horizon and melted the darkness with a brightening dawn, the light in the sky became bolder and strong enough to pierce even tightly closed eyelids.”
“A Consequence of Sin” introduces Archie Cavendish, an ex-cop turned private investigator living in the Caribbean. A potential client comes into his office and reveals he is being blackmailed as a cheating husband. Cavendish’s business is typically centered around catching cheaters and he doesn’t feel comfortable with the behaviors and insinuated violence of the man. Refusing him service, he sets out to warn the blackmailer.
Cavendish quickly finds the young blackmailer, Amber, and warns her about the potential threat. Returning the girl to her home, he is introduced to her family and the owners of the property they stay on. Amber’s mother works for Mr. Lance, the founder of a noted rum company, and his wife. They also stay on their property with her sister Mia and have done so since Amber was one years old.
When an article is released, revealing both what Amber has been doing and her identity, a murder mystery ensues with Cavendish at the center of the investigation.
Trigger Warning: sexual situations, murder, adult language
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Who doesn’t love a good murder mystery? The tale itself is easy to read, pretty straight forward, and full of interesting characters. The main protagonist was well developed with a clear background, motivations, and emotions. The development of the setting on the island was also really crisp and clear. I don’t live in the Caribbean, but have visited a few times and live in Florida, so I’m pretty familiar with the environment. The descriptions of the weather and feeling of the touristy setting and attitudes within it were dead on. The only qualms I had with the story were that I found the reveal of the murderer to be a little straight forward and the use of both first and last names of characters used sporadically throughout to be confusing. Other than that, I really enjoyed the story, the characters, and the pacing of the story. Would love to see another Archie Cavendish Mystery.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A character-forward murder mystery in a Caribbean setting with a well-developed protagonist.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with Frederick James
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here
Interested in submitting your book for review? Visit my review page for guidelines and submission requirements.
