Review of Byline

Ekezie1998 · Post by **Ekezie1998** » 25 Jan 2022, 15:50

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Byline" by Kimberly Paulson.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Byline by Kimberly Paulson is a crime fiction that revolves around a murder mystery in a small town, Washtenaw. A young college boy, Curt, is murdered and found bloodied on the streets. Initial investigations point to Henry, a guy on the streets. Forced to think the drama has ended, we are soon proven wrong when Sohni, a public defender, ventures into her private investigations. Sohni is a passionate and empathic lawyer who is assigned to Henry. In a bid to defend her client, doubts arise. Sohni uncovers hidden clues, pointers, and truths lost in the hasty investigation conducted by the Police. One thing is clear; there is more than meets the eye. Who could be behind the threats? Could Henry be innocent despite his past? What could be the killer’s motives? So many questions, so much to be unearthed. Byline takes us through a wild journey of truth-seeking.

The novel has a lot of positive aspects. Through the help Sohni got from different persons at different points, she is able to move forward in her investigations. This strongly emphasizes teamwork and cooperation. She needed all the help she could get. She could not have ventured alone without the help she got from her colleagues, Peter, Daniel, her husband, and Frank, Curt’s dad, amongst others.

Quite commendable is the fantastic support system Matt was to her. His care and love for his wife were apparent, pushing him to be overprotective when the need arose. Manju also proved to be a great support in helping Sohni manage her stress level even though their parents were neither supportive nor encouraging.

Sohni is presented as a strong and compassionate woman who is very diligent in her duties despite being the most junior at the public defender’s office. Never deterred by the seemingly little evidence and dead ends, she continues her investigations relentlessly. The devastating consequences of a poorly conducted analysis are highlighted and how justice can be perverted through it. It would be pretty absurd if I do not comment on how the author tried to break down the complexities of trials, proceedings, and other legal whatnots. It made the trial process understandable and entertaining.

More so, the role of the press in shaping the view, mindset, and attitude of the public is also highlighted in the novel. Most distinctively, the author brings into focus the effects of parents’ unhealthy pattern of raising children of which Sohni and Zach are victims. Some may move past it, while others may be caught in the web of such an unhealthy upbringing. However, I could not find any negative aspects to this novel. I did find some errors which I consider minor. This goes to show that the story was professionally edited, and so I rate it a 4 out of 4.

I recommend this book to crime fiction lovers, lovers of murder mysteries, or detective novels. They would really find this book enjoyable.

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Byline
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Aisha Yakub · Post by **Aisha Yakub** » 01 Feb 2022, 03:29

Reading about the murder of a young college boy could be disheartening (I know it's fictional).
I'll like to know how the murder mystery was eventually solved.

Thank you for the review.

Mbenma Esther 080 · Post by **Mbenma Esther 080** » 01 Feb 2022, 04:13

The suspense in reading a detective novel makes me feel over the moon. Thanks for the review.

Jane Austen · Post by **Salah bourouba** » 01 Feb 2022, 08:04

I love murder mysteries, the follow-up of events to the final revelation of the murderer is so enticing for me. great review

Ogechi Orlumeni · Post by **Ogechi Orlumeni** » 01 Feb 2022, 08:26

One favorite genre of mine is crime fiction. I like the way the plot of this book plays out, would certainly invoke the right feeling. Thanks for the review

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 01 Feb 2022, 09:51

I am very interested in the C/T/M/H genre especially if there is no gore just mystery. I feel that a lot of times there is just no time to make a big investigation and the easiest perpetrator is railroaded. I appreciate Sohni’s dedication to finding the truth.

janeadika · Post by **janeadika** » 01 Feb 2022, 11:45

this murder mystery book review feels like a movie already! then soni being so dedicated to solving the unsolved murder case, a very good review

Elsa Simanjuntak · Post by **Elsa Simanjuntak** » 01 Feb 2022, 12:03

I'm very interested in the murder mystery genre.
because I think this genre will be difficult to predict the plot twist. After reading the above review, I hope this book can be made into a movie

Nwadinso Michael · Post by **Nwadinso Michael** » 01 Feb 2022, 15:02

In my opinion, I think that this book would be a great read. The book involves the murder of a young boy and the dexterity of a public defender in defending the accused. I love the storyline and plot of the book. Thanks for your review.

Umesh Bhatt · Post by **Umesh Bhatt** » 01 Feb 2022, 18:55

Very interesting I'll be adding it to my bookselves for future reading. Thank you for the nice review.

Chinenye Achilike · Post by **Chinenye Achilike** » 08 Feb 2022, 07:14

Sohni seems like a good woman and I hope she eventually found out who really murdered Curt. This looks like a good one to read as detective books make me put on my investigator's hat.

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 03 Mar 2022, 16:42

This seems like an engaging thriller that also addresses a number of important issues through some characters' personal stories. Thank you for your great review!

Patty Allread · Post by **Patty Allread** » 17 Mar 2022, 11:01

This sounds like an entertaining book. I like the added elements you mention in your review, such as how media can influence a case and how justice can be compromised by poor or dishonest investigation. Thanks for your great review!