Review: The Travel Writer
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 06 3, 2014
We first meet travel writer, and hunter of freebies,  Jacob Smalls at a press conference.  Hilary Pearson, a New York based travel editor has disappeared from the Hotel Matamoros, a super resort in the Bolivian tropics and Pilar Rojas – the hotel’s PR agent and Jacob’s ex girlfriend – is attempting damage limitation.  With an experienced travel editor going missing, how can the hotel guarantee the safety of their guests?  Pilar suggests that Jacob visits the resort as a cover to help find Hilary and suggests that she has some information that will help him in his quest.Jacob is a well meaning and humorous hero, who is prompted to help by a reluctance to turn down the offer of any free trip and a desire to rekindle his relationship with Pilar. His investigation begins in the US before he heads to Bolivia, accompanied by Hilary’s co-worker, the nerdy Kenny, who once kissed her at an office party and firmly believes them both to be in love.  Once in Bolivia, there is a lot of local colour, and local politics, unpleasant heavies and threats to overcome before Jacob can uncover the truth.I have mixed feelings about this book. At first, I found the dialogue stilted and the characters stereotypical.  However, it did improve;  especially once Jacob arrived in Bolivia, where the story really started to move.  It is a pleasant start to a possible series and I would certainly try the next instalment.  Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.