Review of The Honor Guard

[khaulah]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Honor Guard" by Donald Steven Collins.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Jim Donovan, an NYPD detective, is found dead of a gunshot wound in his room. Jim is discovered on the floor with a gun next to him. The police rule it out as suicide after investigation. Frank Donovan, Jim’s younger brother, a high school teacher, refuses to believe Jim could do that to himself. He recalls Jim as a strong man. The clue of an open window prompts him to find the truth of his brother’s death. Frank hires a private investigator to look into the case. Did Jim commit suicide as the police suspect, or was he murdered?

The Honor Guard by Donald Steven Collins is a mystery book written in the third person point of view. The author manages to weave the mystery part of the story with a theme that might feel relevant to readers, including marital challenges and grief. It is a realistic portrayal of how people who are left behind are affected after losing a loved one.

Frank is a likable character. He is understandably distressed at his brother’s death and keeps seeking the truth relentlessly. He is not resentful of his mother abandoning him and Jim, and he is sympathetic towards his father, who is an abusive person. Another important character is Alex, the private investigator. There is a romance between Frank and Alex in the book, but it is not the focus of it. It is incidental but somehow plays a vital part and neatly concludes the story.

The plot moves at a steady pace. As the investigation gets closer to the truth, you get a picture of what kind of a person Jim was. Several characters appear to be guilty, which makes you want to read the book all the way to the end to find out what happens. It elicited the “I didn’t see it coming” feeling from me. However, I later realized the clues were all there about the truth, making me perceive how we can overlook the obvious truth sometimes.

The writing is simple and concise. I was never lost or disoriented. I liked the investigation and the eventual answers to the questions posed. The Honor Guard is not a typical mystery book. It gives you a lot to ponder after you finish reading it. This book does not have any flaws, in my opinion. Therefore, I give The Honor Guard 4 out of 4 stars. The book seems perfectly edited. I noted just two errors.

The Honor Guard would be suitable for adult readers who enjoy mystery novels. Non-borderline profane words appear only two times. There is a brief description of a rape scene that could be triggering. Sensitive readers should tread with caution.

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The Honor Guard
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[Amy Luman]

I love mysteries and dislike romances. This book seems to have the correct balance of both. I think I’ll try it.

[khaulah]

I love mysteries and dislike romances. This book seems to have the correct balance of both. I think I’ll try it.

Happy reading @Amy Luman !

[Poojitha Borra]

It is a story with an interesting plot and right up my alley. I will definitely give it a read. Great review!

[khaulah]

It is a story with an interesting plot and right up my alley. I will definitely give it a read. Great review!

Thanks @Poojitha Borra !

[NetMassimo]

This seems like an intriguing mystery that slowly reveals information about Jim and offers some food for thought. Thank you for your great review!

[khaulah]

This seems like an intriguing mystery that slowly reveals information about Jim and offers some food for thought. Thank you for your great review!

You're always welcome @NetMassimo !

[DyanaFl]

Ooh a good mix of romance and mystery! It's great to have a book that is not entirely predictable and keeps you hooked! Thanks for the review

[Tarie07]

I like novels with a storyline that somehow relates to real life issues. I definitely want to read this one. Thanks for the review.

[khaulah]

Ooh a good mix of romance and mystery! It's great to have a book that is not entirely predictable and keeps you hooked! Thanks for the review

You're welcome @DyanaFl !

[khaulah]

I like novels with a storyline that somehow relates to real life issues. I definitely want to read this one. Thanks for the review.

Happy reading @Tarie07 . You're welcome!

[AbhyarnaAman]

mystery books are anyhow my favorites, your excellent review adds charm to this book

[khaulah]

mystery books are anyhow my favorites, your excellent review adds charm to this book

Thank you so much @AbhyarnaAman !

[Muna Chizzy]

I love mystery and romance stories. I'm intrigue to know what the outcome of the investigation might be. Thanks for the captivating review.

[khaulah]

I love mystery and romance stories. I'm intrigue to know what the outcome of the investigation might be. Thanks for the captivating review.

You're welcome @Muna Chizzy ! Thanks for stopping by.