Review: Good characters/Weak Mystery/Poor Fantasy
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 02 2, 2013
I read the book through to the end because the characters were all pleasant people and I enjoyed spending time with them. The mystery elements of the book were weaker. For example there was a mural painted on the wall covered with shoe polish. Why? Don't worry; this is not a spoiler, because the author just abandons this aspect of the mystery. There are really only three suspects to chose from.  [Spoiler: since in the end two of them are conspiring together, it was not even as mysterious as it seemed.] The paranormal and fantasy elements are gratuitous and nebulous, a magic box with a fuzzy foundation and unsubstantiated powers. It heals the sick, grants strength and ability to see poison residue. Why? Do not worry; this is not a spoiler because the author does not further explain these phenomenon. Since this is a series, perhaps future books will explore the nature and extent of the mystery box powers, but here it just is left hanging without a suggestion of resolution.