Phenomenal! Sometimes you see a novel or read a review and you think that it looks interesting enough, that you might read it somewhere along the line I confess that this is the way I felt when I heard about this novel, but when I arranged for the author to come and meet with our mystery book discussion group I decided that the best time to read it was now. I really liked it.
Protagonist Quinn Jones Chang, an attorney, is grief-stricken and mystified when her beloved husband and soul mate, Jordan, is found dead outside their apartment dressed in strange clothing that she is sure he didn't own. When his death is ruled suicide, Quinn, who absolutely believes that her husband was the victim of foul play, begins the long and painful process of discovering the truth about the death of the man she loved and expected to grow old with. Whitehead leads the reader expertly through a maze of intrigue, suspicion, and danger, all the while maintaining a realistic feel and a balance that many "thrillers" lack. Quinn is an attractive character, a perfume devotee (that's her funny quirk), faithful wife and loyal friend who never doubts that her husband was murdered or that she will eventually learn why he died. Along the way, she discovers that Jordan had wealth that he never disclosed to her, an unexplained gap in his work history, and a surprise in his background that will change Quinn's future. As the story progresses Quinn acquires a somewhat motley crew of helpers, including a fellow aficionado of scents, a graduate student, and a retired cop, all of whom are devoted to her safety and success in her mission.
I don't want to give too much away about this novel. Whitehead has managed to write a story with just the right combination of elements. It will appeal to most readers, I think. It certainly appealed to me!
No comments:
Post a Comment