Review: well paced and skillfully written
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 10, 2011
A fun romp, well-paced and skillfully told, with outstanding sense of place, an enjoyable main character, and entertaining supporting cast. Had me clicking the "next page" button at a steady rate.I won't get into details of the plot, which is enjoyably ludicrous. The unfolding events and underlying backstory require some suspension of disbelief, which I was happy to grant in exchange for tagging along with Ainsley Walker as she stumbles around Uruguay in search of an elusive amethyst treasure. Ainsley's quest takes her through various neighborhoods of Montevideo, into the Interior and ranchlands of the north, and finally along the playground-of-the-wealthy beaches of Punte del Este. Ainsley doesn't always use the best judgment, but even her flawed thinking and occasionally questionable behavior are made believable through the filter of character and situation.J.S. Jernay is very skilled at creating a sense of a place and its people, from hair-stylists to ranch-hands to the spoiled children of the rich (and their parents). While the too-short "American Turquoise" left me hopeful but underwhelmed, "Uruguay Amethyst" swept me off my feet, and left me eager for more in this fun series.I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbaised review, and have been converted to a fan of this series.