Review: A Mystery That Takes Place In The Past
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 23, 2010
When I saw the first chapter was set in 1975, I thought it was going to be one of those novels that illustrates an important clue that happened in the past and then jump forward to present day for the remainder of the novel.  Not so.  When I realized the entire novel was going to be set in 1975, I was surprised, but pleasantly so.  To have a novel published in 2010, but be entirely set in 1975 is a form of bravery in my opinion.  The same bravery that was evident of authors who published novels in the early 20th century, but wrote about the future.It was refreshing to read a novel without modern day electronic capabilities.  To write in such a way, makes me believe the author actually thought about the details of the book: how a character would get out of a certain predicament, how a scene would play out without the use of cell phones, etc.  The author was actually able to focus on and perfect the plot of the story rather than take the easy way out.  It was wonderful.The two main characters, Roger and Peggy, were a nice contradiction to each other.  Roger was a little wimpy and naive, whereas Peggy was cunning and strong-willed.  It took Roger a little longer than I liked to stop being so naive.  I was grateful when he finally started acting with some authority and backbone.There was a part of Peggy that reminded me of myself ... flitting from relationship to relationship until finally meeting that one nice guy that changes the way I see men.  Despite Peggy's independence, there was an underlying vulnerability to her that I recognized and understood.  I did wonder about her honesty for most of the book and was hoping that she wouldn't betray Roger in the end.Overall, this novel was rather enjoyable.  It was a classically written mystery without the overshadowing of modern conveniences.  It kept you turning the page wanting to know more.  It is definitely one that I will remember and enjoy reading again.