Review by Airam Velarde -- Deadly Secrets

[Airam Velarde]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Deadly Secrets" by Robert Boris Riskin.]

[rbc=]id818-125[/rbc]Deadly Secrets is the third installment in the Jake Wanderman series written by Robert Boris Riskin. Told from the point of view of amateur private eye Jake Wanderman, this thrilling murder mystery follows him as he sets out to prove the innocence of a suspect. Instead, he uncovers a web of secrets that could very well cost him his life.

After the death of his beloved wife, Jake Wanderman is slowly settling back into his normal life. However, this will prove to be more difficult when his best friend’s long lost daughter is accused of murder. His amateur detective skills are once again needed as he seeks answers to this puzzling case. His search leads him to London and Paris, where he uncovers a truth that goes far beyond that of a simple murder. He faces secrets that speak of rape, suicide, drugs, and a hidden identity that will make Jake’s mission all the more dangerous. Will Jake find himself to be only a retired teacher who is in over his head, or will he once again live up to the expectations that come with being the Sam Spade of Sag Harbor?

Deadly Secrets is narrated by our protagonist Jake Wanderman. Because of his wise-guy remarks and his often opportunistic quoting of Shakespeare, this mystery is made more enjoyable to read. His also down-to-earth nature and realistic persona make him a very likable character. At the beginning there is a feeling of questioning as to why this seemingly innocent bystander is playing a detective. However, our protagonist soon takes charge of this mystery and the reader easily and willingly follows Jake throughout his mission. He is given the know-how of a PI while still showing the adversities a real person might face. What I enjoyed most about this character is that his emotional struggles are very realistic and relatable. We sympathize with him as he has just lost his wife a year prior to the events of this book and is feeling guilt after finding he has started to fall for another woman. The author is able to convey a very human and even vulnerable side to Jake that compliments his sometimes reckless one that appears while he is investigating a case.

The storyline itself is very interesting and filled with twists. The suspense the author creates as each conflict is presented rendered me unable to put down this book. It is very well written and given a certain depth to the plot that makes the reader want to uncover more of this mystery. In comparison, it reminded me of certain crime shows although, of course, with a more well rounded storyline. What also stands out about this novel is the detailed descriptions that are given throughout the story. I found it easy to picture the several locations this novel takes place in, as well as the problems facing our protagonist. This makes this a story that can easily engulf the reader and take him along with Jake as he solves this case.

Deadly Secrets is a novel I really enjoyed reading. Its every twist and turn take the reader deeper into the mystery and to a thrilling ending. I would recommend this to anyone seeking a good page-turning mystery all the while having well rounded, realistic characters. I give Deadly Secrets 4 out of 4 stars.

******
Deadly Secrets
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Barnes and Noble

Like Airam Velarde's review? Post a comment saying so!

[MarcellaM]

I love murder mysteries especially when it involves amateur detectives and this review proves Deadly Secrets to be one of the best. It sounds like a very good mystery story worth reading. Nice work

[Jasy95]

Thanks for the great review! This sounds like a great book; I love when narrators have personalities and wit.