Review of An Unsolved Conspiracy
Posted: 23 Dec 2024, 02:52
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "An Unsolved Conspiracy" by Jack Coey.]
An Unsolved Conspiracy by Jack Coey is a great historical mystery. This takes place in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, in 1918, the summer of World War I; it involves the unsolved murder of Dr. Dean, whose body is found tied up in a well on his family’s property. Who did this? Why is there an unsolved conspiracy surrounding this? Find out in this wonderfully written book.
Gripping personal drama, its building tensions melded around the relationship between Susan, Russell, Mr Rich and all characters will be told from Russell's point of view. The book combines historical context with fictionalised elements to create a story that makes you ponder after you have finished reading the final word.
What was most striking in the book for me was the development of its characters. The matter-of-factness of Russell’s perspective in the story gives it a ring of authenticity—helping to keep it grounded in the everyday struggle and moral struggle of small-town living. The characters are convincing, doing and saying what they do in their times and their society's pressures.
Narratively, I find the pacing of the story felt deliberate and allowed time to soak in the level of complication. That focus was on dialogue and psychological tension, and not action, so, as I would prefer, this did allow the themes of power, truth, and justice to be brought to the forefront. The presence of historical moments, such as German espionage suspicions and the strange lights on Mount Monadnock, gives the reading a realism all of its own.
What has made An Unsolved Conspiracy thought-provoking was its examination of the power and its capacity for justice to be skewed. Coey uses this to illustrate the way division in the society and personal loyalties prevent the pursuit of truth. When influence and fear clash with justice, the delicate human relationship that forms the heart of this book becomes that much more real.
I rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars because it is a historical mystery with well-developed characters and for the moral questions it raises. It was exceptionally edited and I had nothing to dislike about it. Jack Coey has made a story about uncovering human truths and not just about a murder. I recommend the book to lovers of historical fiction and suspense.
******
An Unsolved Conspiracy
View: on Bookshelves
An Unsolved Conspiracy by Jack Coey is a great historical mystery. This takes place in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, in 1918, the summer of World War I; it involves the unsolved murder of Dr. Dean, whose body is found tied up in a well on his family’s property. Who did this? Why is there an unsolved conspiracy surrounding this? Find out in this wonderfully written book.
Gripping personal drama, its building tensions melded around the relationship between Susan, Russell, Mr Rich and all characters will be told from Russell's point of view. The book combines historical context with fictionalised elements to create a story that makes you ponder after you have finished reading the final word.
What was most striking in the book for me was the development of its characters. The matter-of-factness of Russell’s perspective in the story gives it a ring of authenticity—helping to keep it grounded in the everyday struggle and moral struggle of small-town living. The characters are convincing, doing and saying what they do in their times and their society's pressures.
Narratively, I find the pacing of the story felt deliberate and allowed time to soak in the level of complication. That focus was on dialogue and psychological tension, and not action, so, as I would prefer, this did allow the themes of power, truth, and justice to be brought to the forefront. The presence of historical moments, such as German espionage suspicions and the strange lights on Mount Monadnock, gives the reading a realism all of its own.
What has made An Unsolved Conspiracy thought-provoking was its examination of the power and its capacity for justice to be skewed. Coey uses this to illustrate the way division in the society and personal loyalties prevent the pursuit of truth. When influence and fear clash with justice, the delicate human relationship that forms the heart of this book becomes that much more real.
I rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars because it is a historical mystery with well-developed characters and for the moral questions it raises. It was exceptionally edited and I had nothing to dislike about it. Jack Coey has made a story about uncovering human truths and not just about a murder. I recommend the book to lovers of historical fiction and suspense.
******
An Unsolved Conspiracy
View: on Bookshelves
