Review by Miks_solon -- An Imperfect Crime by Fred G. Baker

Miks_solon · Post by **Miks_solon** » 09 Aug 2020, 20:09

[Following is a volunteer review of "An Imperfect Crime" by Fred G. Baker.]

4 out of 4 stars

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What will you do if you happen to know someone sentenced to death row for committing a fake crime?

“Suppose you set up a crime—say, a murder—with all the circumstantial evidence against you, but there’s no body. You set up what, without a doubt, looks like a murder, but you don’t really kill anyone.”

Peter Samson, Allister Brown, and his longtime girlfriend, Sarah Parker are writers and have been friends since college. Out of desperation on gaining attention, they have come up with a rubbish idea on faking a murder and release afterward a book entitled The Perfect Crime. The plans were executed properly and all were well-researched. They have agreed through a toss-coin that Samson will act as the murderer while Brown will represent as the victim. However, things didn't turn out as planned. Brown did not show up at the court to testify that Samson did not kill him. Allister and Sarah went missing and were nowhere to be found around Phoenix, Arizona.

Father Montero, Samson’s priest during his execution, promised him to uncover the mystery. He collaborated with Detective Lori Sanchez, a police officer who took care of Samson’s case at that time and believed the accused was innocent. As they unravel the mystery, you’d be startled with their journey as they discover betrayal, the harsh societal realities, and even the temptations of their sex drives.

An Imperfect Crime by Fred G. Baker is a murder mystery that will stimulate your curiosity while the shocking events are happening. My heart was continuously thumping from the first page until the end because of the unexpected twists. I appreciated how this book gave justice to what actually a “Murder Mystery” means. The author’s writing style exhibits an advanced vocabulary. Also, the word choices and structure worked together to establish a mood throughout the story.

The first thing I admired about the book was the first chapter, where it served as a clear overview and background of the story. The author did not literally introduce each character; he just allowed the story to flow freely and established ideas for every scene that revealed the character's personalities and how the story will develop. I believe it was cleverer than making lengthy and boring prologues. Moreover, the character development was round. As an example, Father Montero transformed realistically and portrayed how a priest can be tempted and commit human acts, too.

Gladly, I didn’t detect anything I do not like about this book. An Imperfect Crime deserves to be rated 4 out of 4 stars. I don’t typically read murder mysteries, but this novel kept me intrigued from the beginning, especially that it presented a satisfying denouement. It was well-edited and no apparent errors. Fred G. Baker is an acclaimed author and these types of fiction are his forte. I commend him and his team for producing an admirable piece of art.

Murder Mystery and planned murder themed stories might be pre-existent in the literary world. However, this book showed a unique turn of events and well-supported facts. I am recommending this to readers of action and adventure stories, particularly those who enjoyed Agatha Christie’s books. However, this book doesn’t suit all ages since it portrays disturbing scenes like prostitution, sex, and other anomalous acts in society. Buckle yourselves on your seat as you join Father Montero and Detective Sanchez unravels this mystery.

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An Imperfect Crime
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Rodel Barnachea · Post by **Rodel Barnachea** » 11 Aug 2020, 04:39

The premise of the book is enthralling. I have already read the book's first ten pages, so I am sure that I would love to read the rest of the book. Great review!

Teele · Post by **Teele** » 11 Aug 2020, 11:09

A very promising book. Thanks for a concise review

Vic Chimezie · Post by **Vic Chimezie** » 12 Aug 2020, 08:42

Lovely review from you man. This one is very engaging and informative. Thank you for your recommendation.

LuciusM · Post by **LuciusM** » 12 Aug 2020, 09:27

Sorry that will have to pass on this one. I don't prefer crime novels. Great review!

AntonelaMaria · Post by **AntonelaMaria** » 12 Aug 2020, 15:55

I do love Agatha Christies' books. But this didn't capture my attention after reading the sample. Still, thank you for the recommendation. Great job with the review.

Kanda_theGreat · Post by **Kanda_theGreat** » 13 Aug 2020, 12:18

I was initially attracted by the sarcastic title. After reading your review, my curiosity to read the book increased all the more. Thank you for such a well-written review.

Leen282 · Post by **Leen282** » 13 Aug 2020, 15:42

I am so looking forward to reading this, I loved it when it was BOTD.

Honest-reviewer · Post by **Honest-reviewer** » 14 Aug 2020, 06:24

This book seems intriguing. I eagerly want to know what is going to happen next. Thanks for your engaging review.

Connie Otwani · Post by **Connie Otwani** » 14 Aug 2020, 07:19

Sounds like an intriguing read. Still wondering how Samson was convicted without an actual murder/dead body. Hope to pick this one up. Great review!

Miks_solon · Post by **Miks_solon** » 16 Aug 2020, 06:08

Cotwani wrote: ↑14 Aug 2020, 07:19 Sounds like an intriguing read. Still wondering how Samson was convicted without an actual murder/dead body. Hope to pick this one up. Great review!

Honest-reviewer wrote: ↑14 Aug 2020, 06:24 This book seems intriguing. I eagerly want to know what is going to happen next. Thanks for your engaging review.

Leen282 wrote: ↑13 Aug 2020, 15:42 I am so looking forward to reading this, I loved it when it was BOTD.

Kanda_theGreat wrote: ↑13 Aug 2020, 12:18 I was initially attracted by the sarcastic title. After reading your review, my curiosity to read the book increased all the more. Thank you for such a well-written review.

AntonelaMaria wrote: ↑12 Aug 2020, 15:55 I do love Agatha Christies' books. But this didn't capture my attention after reading the sample. Still, thank you for the recommendation. Great job with the review.

LuciusM wrote: ↑12 Aug 2020, 09:27 Sorry that will have to pass on this one. I don't prefer crime novels. Great review!

Vic Chimezie wrote: ↑12 Aug 2020, 08:42 Lovely review from you man. This one is very engaging and informative. Thank you for your recommendation.

Teele wrote: ↑11 Aug 2020, 11:09 A very promising book. Thanks for a concise review

aaurba wrote: ↑11 Aug 2020, 04:39 The premise of the book is enthralling. I have already read the book's first ten pages, so I am sure that I would love to read the rest of the book. Great review!

Thanks for your comments!