Official Review: Dixie Bluz by Patrick W. Emmett

lwahls2 · Post by **lwahls2** » 07 Sep 2020, 08:22

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dixie Bluz" by Patrick W. Emmett.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Annette is traveling for work on what she thinks is a routine trip when the unthinkable happens. One of her dearest friends has been murdered right under her nose. In the very same hotel, on the very same floor, her friend Dixie lost her life. The murderer tried to make it look like a suicide, but Annette doesn't buy it. From the first riveting pages of a sad and intense murder to the final showdown,Dixie Bluz- An Annette Dupart Book by Patrick W. Emmett kept my interest to the very end.

Upon finding out about her friends' untimely demise, Annette immediately (and inadvertently) involves herself in the murder investigation. Annette packs up her things and travels to her friend's apartment to clear out Dixie's belongings to take to her family. From that moment on, she becomes a target by the very same people who silenced Dixie. Annette's property is destroyed; she is shot at and even abducted. All clues lead back to a mysterious SD card that Dixie had in her possession. The bad guys are now after Annette because they are convinced Dixie passed the card on, and they will stop at nothing to find it.

There were many things to like about this book such as the plot itself. It was enjoyable from beginning to end. Some books go on just a bit too long, but that wasn't the case with Dixie Bluz- An Annette Dupart Book. The author kept the reader guessing with many twists and turns and an exciting cast of characters. From Annette's cousin, Wolf, to the mysteriously handsome Graham, the variety of personalities was wide and entertaining. Set in the South, the character dialogue was humorous. The interactions between the villains had me laughing as they bungled their attempts to capture Annette. Through the dialogue, I was able to picture the protagonists and antagonists alike. By the end of the novel, the reader truly knows every person. I also thoroughly loved the relationship between Annette, Gina, and Dixie. The author often jumps back in time to their college days. The reader finds out how they met and the instantaneous bond they formed. They always had each other's best interests at heart by continually building each other up and supporting one another. Their friendship was refreshing to behold as a true example of how women should treat other women.

There was one issue I had with this book. I felt that the author was displaying mixed messaging on racism. I don't think the author or the book are racist by any stretch of the imagination. However, at specific points, the author seemed to want to make anti-racist commentary, but they fell short. Central to the plot, the main event was a confederate ball that essentially celebrates the South and the confederacy. The author tries to address the fact that the town united during a particular battle, and black and white worked side by side to rebuild. Annette is dubious about the theme but other characters convince her of it's importance. I felt that the explanations were a bit weak and the theme of the ball unnecessary. The whole spirit of the confederacy was racist. If the author was trying to weave in a specific POV on racism, I think he fell short. Especially in today's political climate, that particular plotline will not resonate with much of the American population. Racist celebrations and confederate statues are being dismantled with good reason.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good murder mystery with a hint of romance. Readers have to be okay with some grammar mistakes and the odd inclusion of a confederate ball. I will admit that I was slightly bothered by that plotline, so I'm giving it a 3 out of 4 stars. I can't confidently recommend this as a priority book to read because of that weak hole in the plot. If you are willing to look past that issue, give Dixie Bluz- An Annette Dupart Book a try!

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Dixie Bluz
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