Review of The Buchanan Bastard
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Himanshu K Yadav
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Review of The Buchanan Bastard
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Buchanan Bastard" by Dedra L. Stevenson.]
Dedra L. Stevenson's "The Buchanan Bastard" is as spicy as a New Orleans gumbo and as alluring as it is mysterious. It is a delicious combination of murder, the unfolding of family secrets, and high-stakes drama that plays out with a great supporting cast of Southern Gothic vibe.
We enthusiastically plunge into the story immediately to be in the shoes of Laura Buchanan, a socialite who has fallen into a pit of horror. In the murky world of Laura's paramount crime—her marriage to wealthy, deceitful Brian—she is not only fighting for her innocence but also struggling in a web of intrigues and loyalties. He does a fine job of portraying a maze of distinct individuals. Laura goes beyond just being the damsel in distress. She is resourceful and strong-willed, not ready to give up her ingenuousness, which, in a way, draws as much sympathy as it does admiration. Larry, his father, and a struggling lawyer bring in an empathetic thread that quiets the narrative. Along with the title character, the supporting role squad includes many fascinating characters: the enigmatic Russian enforcer and the fiercely loyal friend from childhood. Every character seems to form a block in this mixture of shades of gray, which together recreate this moral canvas.
New Orleans turns out to be the protagonist in this case because. Stevenson portrays the city in such a manner that the setting is taken for granted. We feel the clingy humidity stuck to our skin, we hear the rowdy jazz spilled out on the street of Frenchmen, and we taste the foul, sticky smell of filth in the corners. The city's grand mansion and seedy underbelly become the protagonists of this case, showing the inner conflict between Laura and the Buchanan family as a whole. The plot itself is a mysterious maze. The author scatters breadcrumbs all along the way in an abandonment of the Mardi Gras flashers, always leaving us to wonder until the very end. Although some twists may be slightly predictable to seasoned mystery readers, they are still presented in such a nice way to keep you engaged.
I will rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. The editing was flawless. However, despite all its merits, "The Buchanan Bastard" is not free from its deficiencies. Occasionally, the story moves to the melodrama side, and, at some point, plot details exceed the possible outcome. Though Laura might be at the center of the struggles, the social and economic injustices that are buried beneath the city's golden mask may get less attention. Even though this is my only criticism, "The Buchanan Bastard" remains an attractive book. It is a pleasant concoction of mystery, family drama, and the Southern Gothic mood, which can be a perfect weekend getaway into a realm of schemes and the Gumbo Delta.
******
The Buchanan Bastard
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Dedra L. Stevenson's "The Buchanan Bastard" is as spicy as a New Orleans gumbo and as alluring as it is mysterious. It is a delicious combination of murder, the unfolding of family secrets, and high-stakes drama that plays out with a great supporting cast of Southern Gothic vibe.
We enthusiastically plunge into the story immediately to be in the shoes of Laura Buchanan, a socialite who has fallen into a pit of horror. In the murky world of Laura's paramount crime—her marriage to wealthy, deceitful Brian—she is not only fighting for her innocence but also struggling in a web of intrigues and loyalties. He does a fine job of portraying a maze of distinct individuals. Laura goes beyond just being the damsel in distress. She is resourceful and strong-willed, not ready to give up her ingenuousness, which, in a way, draws as much sympathy as it does admiration. Larry, his father, and a struggling lawyer bring in an empathetic thread that quiets the narrative. Along with the title character, the supporting role squad includes many fascinating characters: the enigmatic Russian enforcer and the fiercely loyal friend from childhood. Every character seems to form a block in this mixture of shades of gray, which together recreate this moral canvas.
New Orleans turns out to be the protagonist in this case because. Stevenson portrays the city in such a manner that the setting is taken for granted. We feel the clingy humidity stuck to our skin, we hear the rowdy jazz spilled out on the street of Frenchmen, and we taste the foul, sticky smell of filth in the corners. The city's grand mansion and seedy underbelly become the protagonists of this case, showing the inner conflict between Laura and the Buchanan family as a whole. The plot itself is a mysterious maze. The author scatters breadcrumbs all along the way in an abandonment of the Mardi Gras flashers, always leaving us to wonder until the very end. Although some twists may be slightly predictable to seasoned mystery readers, they are still presented in such a nice way to keep you engaged.
I will rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. The editing was flawless. However, despite all its merits, "The Buchanan Bastard" is not free from its deficiencies. Occasionally, the story moves to the melodrama side, and, at some point, plot details exceed the possible outcome. Though Laura might be at the center of the struggles, the social and economic injustices that are buried beneath the city's golden mask may get less attention. Even though this is my only criticism, "The Buchanan Bastard" remains an attractive book. It is a pleasant concoction of mystery, family drama, and the Southern Gothic mood, which can be a perfect weekend getaway into a realm of schemes and the Gumbo Delta.
******
The Buchanan Bastard
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Latest Review: Somawise by Luke Sniewski
