(reviewed by JD Jung)
“Who knows the heart of a man and what moves in that darkness?”
James Bridie (1888-1951) Scottish playwright, screenwriter, and physician.
RJ Rox, an agent working for her uncle’s covert organization, Kingfisher, is assigned to an impossible task. A retired U.S. ambassador to Germany hired the firm to investigate the disappearance of his teenage son who went missing three years ago near his home in Berlin. Why did the former diplomat wait so long? The reason was simple: He just discovered that he even had a son.
We, the readers, immediately learn at the onset of the story that the young German was murdered, and later RJ sees a pattern of missing persons in Europe. What brings some of this to light is a newly-released book written by a popular up-and-coming crime author, Tendai Kikelomo. Though she is likable, accomplished and revered by RJ and many, we gradually learn that she is haunted by her own secrets.
Jealousy, revenge, obsession and even plagiarism all permeate The Festival Killer. Author Jo McCready also accomplishes the seemingly impossible. She writes a captivating thriller in only 156 pages. Not only is the plot solid, but the characters are remarkedly fleshed out. We feel we know them and what makes them tick. At several points I thought I had it all figured out, only to realize that I wasn’t even close.
I doubt that others will figure it out either, at least until the very end. However, I know that readers will enjoy the entire ride, from the opening page to the finale.
And don’t forget the opening quote above. It will make perfect sense.
