Review: High Rollers, Boats, Vegas -- and lots of mysteries to be solved
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 2, 2013
Eliseo delivered the elements I want in a successful mystery. First and foremost, a great detective is needed, and I really like the character of Carmine. His dialogue and way in the world is easy to relate to with enough quirks to be interesting, a lot of intelligence and strength, and heart. For example, right before meeting a vicitm in the hospital that he has every right to feel proud about meeting, we learn he felt like he had been socked in the stomach because of her rough condition. Carmine cares, and though he's a seasoned former cop who can handle anything thrown at him, he isn't hardened or a mythological version of a hero. He's real, and I liked that, including the fun tone of the dialogue. I also liked how Eliseo paid tribute to intuition as an element of successful police and investigative work and showing George as having a gift in this area makes him even more interesting.The other element needed in compelling detective fiction is great plotting, with details revealed at times where we can guess the resolution along with the detective, but also give us great surprises and satisfactions during reveals. The author handles the plotting and pacing with unexpected twists and turns that keep the pages turning, mixing in high-rollers. boating and beach lifestyles and low life thugs. All in all a highly satisfying read, a fun escape, and the creation of a cool detective team that I'll be happy to follow to their next caper.