Review: VERY ENJOYABLE: FULL OF CULTURE, WIT & INTELLECT
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 18, 2013
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book I have read by Author Jerold Last. I thoroughly enjoyed the first, and came to the reading of this book with a high level of anticipation of another great reading experience. I was not disappointed.This book is the sequel to 'The Ambivalent Corpse (Roger Bowman-Suzanne Foster Mysteries)', which I did not read. I did not feel hampered by not having read it before this one. It is likely that some level of familiarity with that book would have made it easier for me to predict WHODUNIT, but again, this book is more than capable of standing on its own merit. In real life, we rarely know everything about everybody, which makes life so interesting.As with theThe Matador Murders (South American Mystery Series), this is another "whodunit" mystery novel which highlights Roger and Suzanne Bowman. Roger, an ex-policeman, is a private investigator from LA. Suzanne, his wife, is a very intelligent biochemist. Together, they are a dynamic crime solving duo with a unique sense of humor.The plot is well-developed and credible (serial killer) with an unpredictable turn that you won't see coming until it happens. The pace is appropriate, moving at a tempo which allows the reader to digest the story as it develops and at the same time permit you to savor the culture, cuisine and points of interest offered by each change of setting. The author evidently knows Peru quite well, and the story benefits from his intimate personal knowledge of the land, people, culture and places. It is quite likely you will want to visit South America for yourself after having read this book to explore the Inca culture more deeply for yourself.Overall, this book is well-written, and again, it transcends genre in multiple ways to provide the reader with a satisfying read. There is history, geography, culture, language, travel guide, genre elements, among others, which ensures there is something for everyone. The opportunity to enjoy a foreign country and learn about its culture, heritage, and cuisine is an added plus to reading this book. The author is authentic, showing that traveling is both fun and educational.In sum, I enjoyed this book, recommend it highly, and will definitely return to read more from this author in the future.Reviewed by Thomas Jerome BakerAuthor ofLooking For Catarina: A Love Story From Santiago de Chile to Florence, Italy