(Reviewed by JD Jung)
“The St. Thomas I knew died long ago, even longer than Roger. Maybe I’d changed so profoundly in California that the whole world felt like a strange land.”
After his wife’s untimely death, PI Boise Montague left Los Angeles to go back home to St. Thomas, US VI. Though he left the islands when he was twelve years old, he was hoping to return to familiar surroundings. Of course, no place ever stays the same, and this alien environment depressed Boise. The feeling was compounded when he discovered that his childhood friend, Roger, had died. Not only did he feel guilty for not contacting Roger all these years, but he worried that he wouldn’t able to readjust to island life without him.
Boise went to the local newspaper to get old articles to learn more about Roger’s death. There he met reporter Dana Goode who had her own theories about Roger’s demise. Though she was more than willing to help Boise, she insisted that he in turn help her with an unusual case. Initially he was unenthusiastic— he wanted to completely focus on Roger’s death—but eventually he did comply.
While working with Dana, Boise learned about the political and corporate corruption in his old hometown. In turn, we, the readers, learn about the history and cultures, along with the racially diverse groups that try to live together in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is at the same time we’re totally immersed in the story.
Dark Paradise will take you on a wild ride with lots of twists and action along the way. The ending is unexpected and satisfying. Family plays a central role in the plot and the characters are well developed. There are a lot of them, but not too many as to confuse the reader. They are essential to the story.
I prefer my crime novels raw and gritty, which I’m afraid this story lacks. I do realize though, that it is a personal preference so I think that Dark Paradise will have a broader appeal.
