Review by Bhaskins -- Guilt by David Taylor Black

Bhaskins · Post by **Bhaskins** » 25 Sep 2019, 19:38

[Following is a volunteer review of "Guilt" by David Taylor Black.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Guilt by David Taylor Black is a mystery novel set in the Bahamas. Dan, a writer, goes to the Bahamas after a separation from his wife. He decides he would like to take some space and write his next book in peace. While at the local library to do some research Dan befriends the librarian, Cat. While originally from the United States Cat came to the Bahamas years ago and decides to show Dan around. While on a trip to the lighthouse Cat and Dan find a dead body washed up on the shore. Dan decides to check for ID on the body before calling the police and this gets him into trouble with the local constable. With his DNA now on the body Dan struggles to defend himself. Soon rumors are flying around the small island about Dan and Cat having an affair and Dan being a murderer. When Dan finds a second dead body it becomes harder and harder for him to prove his innocence.

There was so much to like about this book. The characters were funny, well crafted, and relatable. You can feel the tension and confusion between Dan and his wife, Susan, as they navigate being separated and processing a tragedy. Anyone who has gone through a loss or a divorce can relate to how they go back and forth between wanting to make things work and continuing to be stuck in patterns of hurt. I also really enjoyed how this story unfolded. As an avid mystery reader, I find I am not often caught off guard and this book kept me guessing more than halfway through.

What I disliked most was the pace in the beginning. It started slow and I was losing interest until about the midpoint. Once I got through the beginning I couldn’t put the book down! It did feel a bit mismatched, but I am glad it picked up in the second half.

This book touched on so many important topics that I felt it important to note how well they were addressed. Guilt discussed small island living and how it can be both a blessing and a curse when everyone knows each other. It is similar to living in a small town. One of the other pitfalls that go along with small island life is what they called “sip-sip” or gossip. Not only does everyone know each other, but they know each other's business. Other topics mentioned were sexual orientation, domestic violence, sexual abuse, divorce, grief, and love.

I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. I did not notice any errors. There was no profane language and only vague mention of sexual content. There was heavy flirting between Cat and Dan, however, it never got too graphic and did not feel out of place. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes mysteries and dynamic characters. I would caution those that are sensitive to violence as there are a few fight scenes. I also think folks that are sensitive to hearing about domestic or sexual violence should exercise caution. While these are discussed in the book they are not overly graphic and the author does a good job with the responses of the characters, but there are a few paragraphs that are hard to read.

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Guilt
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Brendan Donaghy · Post by **Brendan Donaghy** » 08 Oct 2019, 13:12

I might read this one if I get the chance. I like mystery novels, particularly if they have good, strong characters in them. This book sounds like it does. Great review!

Gabriel Merêncio · Post by **Gabriel Merêncio** » 08 Oct 2019, 14:20

So I'm guessing the moral of the story is "Don't touch dead bodies"? Sounds like reasonable advice! Jokes aside, mystery is one of my favorite genres, and one sub-category that always intrigues me are mysteries set in small, isolated communities. I'll definitely check this one out at some point. Thanks for the review!

Bhaskins · Post by **Bhaskins** » 08 Oct 2019, 14:28

Tomah wrote: ↑08 Oct 2019, 14:20 So I'm guessing the moral of the story is "Don't touch dead bodies"? Sounds like reasonable advice! Jokes aside, mystery is one of my favorite genres, and one sub-category that always intrigues me are mysteries set in small, isolated communities. I'll definitely check this one out at some point. Thanks for the review!

Right? Who thinks, dead body, I should touch it! I agree, small town culture is fascinating! Thanks for commenting!

Dentarthurdent · Post by **Dentarthurdent** » 10 Oct 2019, 11:24

It's hard to imagine why Dan thought it was a good idea to check the dead man's identification. Well, it's clearly something he won't be in a hurry to do again!

"Anyone who has gone through a loss or a divorce can relate to how they go back and forth between wanting to make things work and continuing to be stuck in patterns of hurt."
I like this. I like how you've written the whole review; descriptive and easily flowing.

Bhaskins · Post by **Bhaskins** » 11 Oct 2019, 07:37

Dentarthurdent wrote: ↑10 Oct 2019, 11:24 It's hard to imagine why Dan thought it was a good idea to check the dead man's identification. Well, it's clearly something he won't be in a hurry to do again!

"Anyone who has gone through a loss or a divorce can relate to how they go back and forth between wanting to make things work and continuing to be stuck in patterns of hurt."
I like this. I like how you've written the whole review; descriptive and easily flowing.

Thank you for your kind words.

Bhaskins · Post by **Bhaskins** » 11 Oct 2019, 07:37

Brendan Donaghy wrote: ↑08 Oct 2019, 13:12 I might read this one if I get the chance. I like mystery novels, particularly if they have good, strong characters in them. This book sounds like it does. Great review!

I really enjoyed it!

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 20 Oct 2019, 08:39

I love mysteries and thrillers and this seems to be exceptionally well done. I plan to add it to my list of books to read. Thank you for the great review!

Wyland · Post by **Wyland** » 25 Oct 2019, 04:21

I like a good mystery story. I wonder if Dan can exonerate himself from the murder blamed on him. Thanks for the nice review.

Mbrooks2518 · Post by **Mbrooks2518** » 29 Oct 2019, 14:57

I love mystery novels, so I might give this one a try, although I'm hesitant because of the slow paced first half. Thanks for the great review!

Bhaskins · Post by **Bhaskins** » 30 Oct 2019, 14:23

Prisallen wrote: ↑20 Oct 2019, 08:39 I love mysteries and thrillers and this seems to be exceptionally well done. I plan to add it to my list of books to read. Thank you for the great review!

Oh good! I think you will like it. Thank you.

Bhaskins · Post by **Bhaskins** » 30 Oct 2019, 14:24

Mbrooks2518 wrote: ↑29 Oct 2019, 14:57 I love mystery novels, so I might give this one a try, although I'm hesitant because of the slow paced first half. Thanks for the great review!

It certainly makes up for it in the second half!

Bhaskins · Post by **Bhaskins** » 30 Oct 2019, 14:25

Wyland wrote: ↑25 Oct 2019, 04:21 I like a good mystery story. I wonder if Dan can exonerate himself from the murder blamed on him. Thanks for the nice review.

Thanks for stopping by.

Falconcrest · Post by **Falconcrest** » 31 Oct 2019, 22:08

This sounds like a great story right up my ally. Divorce is horrible and the worst thing anyone can endure. I can only imagine. It will be great to read up on topics that explored the issues of domestic and sexual violence. Thanks for an outstanding review Bhaskins.

Manali_DC · Post by **Manali_DC** » 19 Nov 2019, 00:35

I enjoyed reading the book and your review! However, I found it quite frustrating that it took Dan so very long to get suspicious! I think the reader can figure out who the killer is pretty early into the book! It still makes for an exciting ending though!