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

[Mys_Trea]

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

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

It doesn't happen very often that I pick up a book and struggle to put it down right until the end. An Imperfect Crime by Fred G. Baker, is one of the few books that have easily driven me to do so. The story follows a tenacious detective by the name of Lori Sanchez, who pursues a curious case in which she suspects that a man may have been executed without just cause. Along with her for the thrilling ride is the convicted man's priest, Father Montero. The pair are in for many unforeseen twists and turns.

The author truly managed to weave together a brilliant plot in which two struggling writers and friends, Peter and Allister, decide to fake a murder in order for them to write an award-winning book on how they pulled it off. The plan goes awry, with Allister and his girlfriend mysteriously disappearing at the moment that they have to testify to Peter's innocence. Peter is executed, but his priest is convinced that the young man was incapable of murdering his friend. Detective Sanchez also smells a rat, as the evidence seems too perfect - almost as if it was intentionally placed there. Added to that, she uncovers a trail of events related to drugs, human trafficking, and even murder.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a lover of stories with a strong female protagonist, I marveled at Lori's tenacity and strength. She, like most human beings, experienced her fair share of lows, for instance, her seemingly non-existent love life. She also experienced numerous shining moments, and I simply loved cheering her on. Her budding friendship with the charismatic Father Montero was also a joy to witness, and they both clearly had a great influence on each other. The pair have a wicked sense of humor, and I found myself chuckling often at their witty banter.

I would recommend this book to fans of a good mystery novel. It was not predictable, neither did I find it boring. I really did not want to put the book down. There were also quite a few references to Mexican food and drinks, and I was left pining for a cold margarita and some tasty tacos. The book contains profanity as well as graphic sexual content, so it is definitely not for young or sensitive readers. Without spoiling the ending, the book concludes with a cliffhanger - I am definitely looking forward to the second book in this series.

I rate An Imperfect Crime a well-deserved 4 out of 4 stars. The book was exceptionally edited and I did not find a single error. It was a wild ride - I was left intrigued, excited, and thoroughly entertained. There is not a single fault that I can mention. Mr. Baker did a truly good job of making the characters believable and the plot riveting. I really do look forward to many more adventures that lie in store for Detective Sanchez and Father Montero.

******
An Imperfect Crime
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Leen282]

Great review, I read the book a while ago (not as a review but after reading a very positive review), and your description tales me back to how much I enjoyed it.