OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Mermaid Broker" by Sue Hinkin.]

The ocean was like Isabella Abbott’s home. As a marine biologist, some of its creatures were her friends. But not at Piscem Auratus—Fish of Gold – a former facility with a big aquarium tank used for ocean research in secret governmental projects. At the facility, she wakes up near a tortured young woman. Isabella’s panic had already grabbed me by now as she realizes that she’s trapped in the web of human trafficking. In five days, she will perform the main role of a mermaid, satisfying the sexual fetishes of an audience of elite clientele. Afterward, she is destined to be tossed in the tank to become a meal for “the golden, luminescent great white shark” and black piranhas.

The Mermaid Broker, by Sue Hinkin, is the fourth installment of The Vega & Middleton Novels. As a stand-alone book, the story unveils Vega and Middleton’s efforts in finding Isabella before it’s too late. Lucy Vega is a news photographer, and Beatrice Middleton is a TV reporter. They team-up with Detective MacIntosh Wu, aiming to save Isabella’s life and capture the head of this international sex tourism – an “Esther Williams wannabe” – while also disclosing the horrifying modern story of the sex trafficking of young girls.

Realistic descriptions build tension between the engaging twists and turns of this fast-paced novel. The characters’ active dialogue allowed me to be involved in the scenes and discover the protagonists’ strong personalities; the book is a page-turner that kept me with bated breath as the closing remarks approached. Exploring the theme of human trafficking arced on a mermaphile fetish strengthens the unforgettable and solid plot structure. The story brings to life a glimpse of the inhuman, sadistic conditions in which young girls are exploited for the sordid entertainment of a criminal elite as well as their intense satisfaction in dominating the lives of others.

Another fascinating and frightening component incorporated into the story’s intricate net was the depiction of illegal activities on the dark web. The short chapters made the story flow quickly as the action moved forward, unveiling this gripping thriller. The only distress I had was the fact that I missed the series’ previous books – Deadly Focus, Low Country Blood, and The Burn Patient, which are now added to my further reading list. A few minor editorial errors occurred along the way but nothing too distracting. Overall, the text shined through with clean and clear content.

While references to rape are mentioned no details are exposed. The infrequent use of profane language, in addition to some murder scenes, might keep some readers away. Four out of four stars are earned by Sue Hinkin’s fourth novel A Vega and Middleton Mystery series – A Mermaid Broker. Fans of thrillers will enjoy this book the most.

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The Mermaid Broker
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It seems an intriguing and original saga, I might add it to my "to read" list too! Nice review!

Even the idea of a mermaid is enough for me to add this book to my to-read list. Good review. Thanks

Your review makes me want to check out this book. It sounds like a very interesting story. Mermaids and the dark web sounds like an exciting ride.

What an intense story! I hope Vega and Middleton rescue Isabella and stop that “Esther Williams wannabe.” Thank you for a great review.

This seems like a very intriguing story. I enjoyed reading your review. Great work.

I think I may be too sensitive for this read, but I enjoyed your review. Thanks!

Thank you for your review. I haven't read a good thriller in a long time. This one sounds like an interesting one if it deals with rescuing a young woman from predators, both human and animal.

This seems like an intense thriller about a terrible type of criminal activity that's still far too common. This makes me curious about the other novels of this series. Thank you for your great review!

The mermaid in the title didn't tell that it isn't a happy story. A thriller definitely. Illegal, dark web, criminal, elite, its definitely not to be missed. Thanks for this great review.

I'm adding The Mermaid Broker to my bookshelf! It sounds like it has a very engaging plot. Thank you for sharing your insight.

I loved the story. It has adventure and many fun elements. Now, I really want to read it. Thank you.

The book has a rarely intriguing plot. Thanks for the review, the book definitely has my attention.

This book's plot has definitely caught my interest. Thanks for the great review!

My TBR list is just growing and growing, this is is now another add-on to that.