Review by Almera101 -- An Imperfect Crime by Fred G. Baker
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Review by Almera101 -- An Imperfect Crime by Fred G. Baker
Wow! Was that a book or an action movie? An Imperfect Crime takes us on an action-packed adventure into the world of murder, drugs, and cross border cover-ups. As a mystery novel, it checks all the boxes. As a crime story, it also checks all the boxes. So, in other words, it's genre would be crime mystery mashup. If you like either or both you're bound to love this one!
Our narrative opens with the execution of an accused murder. We are introduced to one Father Montero who has offered last rights. In doing so the Father and has gained the story of the accused. The crime was meant to be "perfect," not resulting in execution, but having a heroic, dramatic ending. The goodly Father promises to get to the bottom of what occurred.
This takes us into an adventure when Father Montero teams up with Detective Sanchez to find out what exactly happened to make this “perfect” crime seemingly fail the way it did. The plot, however, in no way this simple. As the story evolves we are treated to numerous twists and turns as the semi-official/ unofficial investigation continues. There is never a dull moment as we are taken into what amounts to a police procedural and the bureaucracy of a cross-border investigation between the South Western US and Mexico. The level of detail is very nicely done.
As we get to meet our protagonists we get to know them. Both Father Montero and Detective Sanchez get themselves well developed. This is one of the strong points of the writing. All the characters we meet feel real. Their development is straight out of very good, imaginative writing. Even the minor characters get some level of personalization and we understand their needs and motivations. Every character we meet has a part to play in propelling the story forward. The cultural differences of the various players are well put forward without seeming too stereotypical and antagonistic.
The only real, and minor, complaint I have about the story is at times the two main protagonists feel like they are speaking with the same voice. They both have the same thought processes. Ideas more seem to be confirmed between the two than discussed with any variations. This is a very small issue and could be chalked up to Father Montero being a former police officer. However, with their conversations, it sometimes felt they were speaking with the same voice.
Being a gritty crime novel there is some use of profane language. For this reason, the book may not be suited to the younger audience. For the appreciative adult, though, this should be no problem.
All in all, An Imperfect Crime is quite a good read! The storyline is action-packed and executed well. Descriptions are spot on, putting the reader directly into the action. The characters are well rounded and motivations clear. I give the book 4 out of 4 stars and do not hesitate to recommend it to the action lover!
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An Imperfect Crime
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