OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Perfect Victim" by Patricia Dusenbury.]
Claire Marshall is just trying to run a business. Her company, Authentic Restorations, has undertaken work for well-known developer and philanthropist Frank Palmer when a check bounces, becoming the proverbial horse-shoe nail that lost the kingdom. Claire, trying to resolve the issue, finds herself enmeshed in a web of deceit, rumor, and danger. For some mysterious reason, everyone seems to believe that she was soon to marry Frank Palmer, so when Frank is found murdered, Claire resembles nothing more than a likely suspect.

A Perfect Victim by Patricia Dusenbury is a novel awash in crime, suspense, and drama. I can’t imagine not feeling sympathetic with Claire, who is flawed, sincere, compelling, and very real. At the same time, by occasionally switching narrators, Ms. Dusenbury allows the reader to get a better idea of the secondary characters, and thereby adds layers to her story. In one chapter, you want to hate the police because of the way they suspect Claire, but in the next, you’d dismiss them if they didn’t.

Most of the book is set in New Orleans and the surrounding area. Now, I've never had the opportunity to visit, so I can’t attest to the accuracy of the scene presented, but I can certainly vouch for its vividness. The swamps are almost palpable, and their residents are eminently believable in a way that reminds me of the way Hardy’s characters are inextricably linked to Wessex.

The plot itself has several twists and turns that may leave the reader guessing. Unfortunately for me, I was able to guess the end early on. Apparently I read too many mysteries. I have no particular reason to believe that the plot twists in this book were especially predictable or obvious, so I would hazard a guess that if you don’t normally see through mysteries or crime dramas, you will be likewise surprised by this one. However, having worked out the end before it came, the climax and resolution lost a lot of steam very quickly for me.

I like to be an optimist in book reviews, so I've decided that this book deserves four out of four stars. If you give this book a chance, you’ll encounter a cast of life-like characters in a setting that pops out of the pages for a plot that will thrill you and (hopefully) keep you guessing. All in all, it’s far from a poor use of your time. I’m glad I read this book, and I have every reason to believe that there are plenty of people who will share my opinion.

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I love mysteries that thrill and keep one guessing. Life-like characters and a setting that pops out of the pages is another plus. I will check out this book. Thank you for the review!

Thanks for the review. The twists at the end are always a bit tricky, and you're right, sometimes reading a lot in a genre you do develop a sixth sense for plots. It does sound very interesting, for sure. Thanks!

I can imagine how the fact that you guessed the mystery spoiled the ending for you. Sounds like a good book though, specially if not everyone would be able to guess it. Thank You for the honest and well written review.

I immediately grabbed my copy! I'm excited that this is book 1 in the trilogy. I made sure to follow the author on Amazon because I love mysteries! Thank you so much for your review...it was great!

I love that this has several twists. I also appreciate being able to sympathize with the main character. To me, that means the author wrote the characters well. Thanks for the review! This one looks great.

Mystery and murder makes for a book that I'd really like to read. Claire Marshall sounds like a likeable character. Can't wait to dive in and read it. Like you I read a lot of mysteries so I wounder if I can figure it out before the ending.

I like the fact that the plot has so many twists to it that will leave readers guessing. Even though, you were able to guess it, it still seems rather interesting.

Nice, insightful review! I particularly enjoyed it because I reviewed another book by this author. Like you, I have read many mysteries and can sometimes guess the ending early on. Still, it sounds like this book is as interesting as the one I read! Thanks to the author for making the book available for free today.

Well I am in complete mood to buy this book after reading your review. It is so well written. I have to say that more than the book, your review attracted me.

I like a well-written crime novel, especially when set in such a magical area as New Orleans! Makes for a good setting for any crime. Thanks for the free read!

Great review, sounds like a compelling read!

This sounds like an interesting read. I do not typically read too many mysteries, but do enjoy them on occasion. This seems like a great book with a good plot that I would enjoy. Thank you for the review.

Sounds like a great read with a 4 out of 4 review. Congrats and well done!

Thank you for your honesty... like you I have read a lot of suspense and mystery, but the other elements of this book intrigued me even despite the potentially predictable ending. Added to my list!