Review of The Senator's Suitcase

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Rebecca Winsy
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Review of The Senator's Suitcase

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[Following is a volunteer review of "The Senator's Suitcase" by Mitch Engel.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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In one word only, I can summarize The Senator's Suitcase by Mitch Engel as brilliant. It is a pulsating work of fiction that will leave you asking for more.

The story centers on Troy Davenport, whose mother Elizabeth Davenport perishes in a helicopter crash. At thirty-five years old, Troy never quite knew his mother very well. Their relationship had been respectful and supportive, but regrettably, little emotional connection occurred between them. After the fatal crash, a curtain had finally been ripped off and Troy is eager to learn things that would make his mother a more complete person, instead of the cardboard cut-out she propped up in front of voters. Troy uncovers items of interest that only add to the mysteries surrounding his mother. One of these items is a suitcase containing close to five and a half million dollars. Troy’s questions about his mother’s past become more necessary as he tries to ascertain the source of the money. It is during his “Sherlock Time” that he meets and falls head over heels for Melanie Reynolds. Mitch Engel incorporates two narrative threads in the book. Troy's journey as he strives to find answers and Elizabeth's story, which is recounted in flashback.

With its expert plotting and commendable characters, The senator's suitcase is both intriguing and revealing. It is a fast-paced story that is full of twists and turns. A suitcase containing five and a half million dollars leads Troy to the discovery of unspeakable family secrets. A corrupt politician, an unscrupulous union boss, or simply an atonement for selling one's soul. The best ingredient that Mitch Engel employs in the book is suspense. He gives you a clue and lets your mind wander before leaving you open-mouthed yet again.

This is an intricate book, which means it does not run away from controversial jabs and unpopular opinions. Issues about gender equality, women and leadership, female education, and same-sex relationships are among the prevailing themes in this book. Mitch Engel captures what it was like growing up as a female in the 1950s. It was uncommon for women to pursue higher education. Elizabeth had been expected to settle for less after graduating from high school, but she had grander ideas. A woman leading in government or otherwise was beyond the pale. However, for Beth, bucking the system always produced the greatest satisfaction. The more difficult the odds, the more she savored an opportunity to defy them. As extraordinary as she was, she transformed the lives of many from her younger years to her dying day as a United States Congress Senator.

This is, undoubtedly, a fascinating book. I commend the author's ingenuity and his impressive writing mastery. The characters are both charming and realistic. The descriptions were vivid and meticulously put down. I was hooked till the end. I hardly found any errors. Therefore, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars, as it is hands down one of the most thrilling books I have ever laid eyes on. There is nothing I disliked. However, I noticed repetition in different parts of the book.

I highly recommend this book to readers who appreciate suspenseful books with exceptional characters. The sexual acts in the book suggest that it is only suitable for a mature audience. People who are against same-sex romances should steer clear of this book.

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The Senator's Suitcase
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