By Maria Nieto
Publisher: Berkeley Press (An Imprint of Floricanto)
The author has created a great fiction story around the 1970 death of the famed LA Times reporter Rubén Salazar. A year later, the fictional character Alejandra Marisol is tasked with writing a commemorative article on him. The story immediately becomes interesting and the plot takes on a life of its own. Quickly the reader is introduced to sinister characters and events and the intrigue thickens. The story does begin a little on the slow side, but then it picks up speed and you can’t put it down. The author does a great job of using this specific event to tell another story that is darker than the death of Mr. Salazar – if you can imagine that!
I believe that the intent of the author in writing this book was to keep alive the incident of the death of Rubén Salazar, alongside bringing to light more sinister things that happen within our society. My reactions to the overall events that begin to unfold are surprising as I was not expecting the story to lead in this direction. Is the author effective in weaving these menacing events within the story? I would say so; although, I have to say the events are disturbing at times. Unfortunately, these things happen within our society today and will most probably continue to occur.
The story is told using the first person point of view and it works fairly well. As for the characters, I liked the main character Alejandra Marisol; however, I would have loved to get a better sense for some of the other characters as well. They came in and out of scenes just too quickly. The dialogue was good as it helped to move the story forward.
Although the story covers some wicked subjects, the author intertwines suspense and mystery to bring it all together and still tell a good story. I would say it definitely falls into the adult fiction category. The author’s style of writing is straightforward and informal and the book is an easy read.
After reading this book, it definitely made me think about all the things that go on in this world, which most people shrug off and try not to think about too much. Good or bad, the author does bring these dark topics to the forefront. Would I recommend this book to others? If you are looking for a quick read, and if you like mystery and suspense I would say pick up a copy.
Source: Book was provided by author for review. It was reviewed by Corina Martinez Chaudhry.
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