Review by Emy Katherine -- An Imperfect Crime

Post by **Emy Katherine** » 28 Feb 2019, 10:56

[Following is a volunteer review of "An Imperfect Crime" by Fred G. Baker.]

4 out of 4 stars

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An Imperfect Crime: A Detective Sanchez/Father Montero Mystery is a captivating murder mystery that revolves around the themes of jealousy, betrayal, and deception.

Peter Simpson, Sarah Parker, and Allister Brown will do anything to become successful authors, including planning a fake murder. They follow the plot of Peter's unpublished crime novel: Allister plays the victim, and Peter plays the murderer. Unfortunately, things take a fatal turn when Allister does not show up at Peter’s trial according to plan, and Peter is wrongfully executed for murdering his friend. Father Guillermo Montero, Peter's priest, believes in Peter's innocence and is committed to solving this mystery. He wastes no time working together with Detective Lori Sanchez of the Phoenix Police Department; she is the only person who thinks Allister is still alive. While trying to find the truth, Detective Sanchez is also investigating other crimes that involve cases of human trafficking, drug abuse, and gunrunning. Where is Allister Brown? Is he dead? Will Detective Sanchez and Father Montero be able to find the real killer?

Fred G. Baker crafts a very engaging, intricate plot. The book presents several settings even though the story mostly takes place in Phoenix, Arizona. Each location introduces a bunch of supporting characters who thoroughly stand out and make the story even more intriguing. In all sincerity, there is never a dull moment reading this fast-paced story; in fact, a large amount of action, suspense, and mystery will capture the reader's attention until the end. Undoubtedly, the main characters make the story even more believable. Both Detective Sanchez and Father Montero are memorable, likable, but also imperfect. In fact, the author does a great job of portraying them as real people; he shows both their strengths and their weaknesses and makes them act realistically in all situations. As they struggle to solve the mystery, the reader cannot help but sympathize with them and root for them. Also, the author keeps the plot moving by creating realistic, engaging dialogues between the characters.

However, what I liked most was the author's writing style; it was pleasant, engaging, and very descriptive. I genuinely admired Baker’s ability to describe a character, a place, or an event in a highly detailed manner. Additionally, I felt satisfied with Baker's realistic portrayal of police work. I particularly enjoyed the scene in which Detective Sanchez inspected an old crime scene and reenacted the kidnapping of a young girl. The scene was so vividly portrayed that I felt like I was right there with Detective Sanchez. Being a huge fan of police procedurals, I was glad this book did not disappoint.

In conclusion, there was nothing I disliked about this absorbing work of fiction. An Imperfect Crime was excellently written, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The story was unpredictable, and the twists and turns kept me guessing until the last page. Also, I felt quite satisfied with the unexpected ending. The book was edited professionally; in fact, I found less than ten errors. They were mostly punctuation errors such as a misplaced apostrophe and missing commas.

I am pleased that the author is working on a sequel; hopefully, it will be published soon. Because of its unpredictable plot and its vivid descriptions, I gladly rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I would highly recommend it to fans of police procedurals and murder mysteries. However, the book includes occasional curse words and sensitive topics such as rape, sexual abuse, and prostitution; therefore, I would not suggest it to readers who might be triggered by one of those sensitive topics.

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An Imperfect Crime
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InStoree · Post by **InStoree** » 07 Mar 2019, 07:14

What a turn for Peter! A mystery wrapped around a crime. A detective and a priest sound like a perfect team to solve the puzzle! Thank you for your worthwhile review!

Post by **Emy Katherine** » 07 Mar 2019, 08:39

InStoree wrote: ↑07 Mar 2019, 07:14 What a turn for Peter! A mystery wrapped around a crime. A detective and a priest sound like a perfect team to solve the puzzle! Thank you for your worthwhile review!

Agreed! In fact, the unlikely duo intrigued me from the very beginning. Also, being an ex-soldier and ex-policeman, the secular priest is a unique character!

Thank you for reading and commenting; it means a lot to me as it is my first review.

InStoree · Post by **InStoree** » 07 Mar 2019, 09:04

Emy Katherine wrote: ↑07 Mar 2019, 08:39
InStoree wrote: ↑07 Mar 2019, 07:14 What a turn for Peter! A mystery wrapped around a crime. A detective and a priest sound like a perfect team to solve the puzzle! Thank you for your worthwhile review!
Agreed! In fact, the unlikely duo intrigued me from the very beginning. Also, being an ex-soldier and ex-policeman, the secular priest is a unique character! Thank you for reading and commenting; it means a lot to me as it is my first review.

Well...I couldn't tell it is your first review. I'm also at the beginning of writing journey and I'm familiar with these emotions. Congratulation for your work, Emy!

nooregano · Post by **nooregano** » 09 Mar 2019, 21:11

This book sounds polished, professional and exciting to read. I love it when there are a lot of character and scene details created! This was a fair, clear review, and I'm glad I read it today! Brightened up my morning. Thanks!

Post by **Emy Katherine** » 10 Mar 2019, 08:05

nooregano wrote: ↑09 Mar 2019, 21:11 This book sounds polished, professional and exciting to read. I love it when there are a lot of character and scene details created! This was a fair, clear review, and I'm glad I read it today! Brightened up my morning. Thanks!

Yes, it is an exciting read with well-developed characters and vivid descriptions. I am glad you enjoyed this review! Thank you for your kind words, Nooregano! You just made my day!

unamilagra · Post by **unamilagra** » 10 Mar 2019, 12:18

Thanks for a great review. This one seems to check all the boxes needed for a great crime novel: lot of action, twists and turns, great characters, and good writing style!

Post by **Emy Katherine** » 10 Mar 2019, 17:13

unamilagra wrote: ↑10 Mar 2019, 12:18 Thanks for a great review. This one seems to check all the boxes needed for a great crime novel: lot of action, twists and turns, great characters, and good writing style!

So glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, the author did a great job of creating a gripping mystery! Thank you for commenting!

Mbrooks2518 · Post by **Mbrooks2518** » 13 Mar 2019, 11:46

I was intrigued as soon as I read "planning a fake murder." Along with realistic and compelling characters and an engaging writing style, this is a book I will definitely be reading. Great review!

Post by **Emy Katherine** » 14 Mar 2019, 06:14

Mbrooks2518 wrote: ↑13 Mar 2019, 11:46 I was intrigued as soon as I read "planning a fake murder." Along with realistic and compelling characters and an engaging writing style, this is a book I will definitely be reading. Great review!

Glad you liked it! It has an intriguing plot; I hope you'll enjoy it! Thank you for commenting!

Connie Otwani · Post by **Connie Otwani** » 17 Mar 2019, 12:17

Wow, sounds like an interesting plot. I'm scared for Allister and curious about the priest detective! Thanks for the amazing review!

Post by **Emy Katherine** » 17 Mar 2019, 15:30

Cotwani wrote: ↑17 Mar 2019, 12:17 Wow, sounds like an interesting plot. I'm scared for Allister and curious about the priest detective! Thanks for the amazing review!

So glad you liked it! Yeah, the secular priest is an intriguing character!

Thank you for stopping by!

spencermack · Post by **spencermack** » 18 Mar 2019, 09:20

This book sounds like a great story when I'm in need of some detective work! Thanks for the great review.

Post by **Emy Katherine** » 18 Mar 2019, 09:57

spencermack wrote: ↑18 Mar 2019, 09:20 This book sounds like a great story when I'm in need of some detective work! Thanks for the great review.

Glad you liked it!

Yep, it is a well-developed story! Thank you for commenting!

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 26 Apr 2019, 12:16

A fast-paced suspense novel, with good character development and great descriptions is a book I would love to read. I shall have to put it on my to-read list. Thanks for your wonderful review!