Review of Sage: A Murder Mystery Book 1

[Manang Muyang]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Sage: A Murder Mystery Book 1" by Anita Powell.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Sage was born a boy, but they knew from childhood that they were different. Their parents, Paul and Linda Jackson, forced religious practices on their four children, and Paul was domineering. Sage felt the most oppressed because Paul would punish them for being “sinful.” Sage met Milo in high school, and they became best friends. Wanting a way out of Paul’s cruelty, Sage left the family home to live with Milo, believing that Milo was rescuing them. Milo and Sage eventually wedded, but married life was not the heaven that Sage imagined it would be. Milo didn’t want them to do anything outside of the house and resented their questions about his work and other activities that kept him away for days on end. The morning after Sage’s 38th birthday, which was spent in drunken partying, Sage woke up covered in Milo’s blood. Did they kill their husband?

Anita Powell wrote a powerful psychological thriller in Sage: A Murder Mystery, Book 1. The book was narrated splendidly by documenting Sage’s journey with their chosen psychotherapist, Dr. Johnson. The therapy sessions were interspersed with Sage’s journaling, where they recalled their life from early childhood to the year 2020 when Sage was 40. The reader could envision Sage putting on their sister’s lipstick, spending lunchtime at school with a group of misfits, escaping their parents, arguing with their beloved Milo, and hiding from the law. The journaling was a very effective way of making Sage close to the reader’s heart. Sage’s fragile mental state while cooped up in their tiny room was intricately described, and I understood why they felt an affinity with the roach on the wall. I also appreciated the doctor’s notes at the end of each session, summarizing what transpired in a clinician’s objective fashion.

I have no close relationships with anyone in the LGBTQ community, but I think the book gives a good peek into their lives and their struggles. The reader gets to meet gay people, trans men and women, and “ladyboys.” I can say I have been enlightened. I recommend this book to college-age teens and older who have the maturity to handle the sexual content and the heavy emotional burden in the book. I strongly suggest that the reader have a box of tissues ready.

The only negative I found was the flawed editing. There were wrong verbs, incorrect punctuation marks, missing words, misspellings, run-on sentences, and one tiny plot hole. Though I was not waylaid by the numerous errors, they may distract other readers from the vital messages Sage wants to deliver. These errors constrain me to give the book 3 out of 4 stars. I do need to commend the author for the simple yet compelling cover art.

This was only the beginning of Sage’s story. Thus, even after closing the book, I had questions that remained unanswered, especially pertaining to the enigmatic Milo. The author promised to publish the sequel soon. I have an explanation for the perplexing ending to this first installment, but is my guess right? I am certainly itching to find out. For the curious, the roach’s story was concluded to my (and hopefully Sage’s) satisfaction.

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Sage: A Murder Mystery Book 1
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Aisha Yakub]

I'd keep my box of tissues while I read this book. Great review.

[TheGayOne12]

Sage sounds like someone I'd LOVE to read about. Excellent review!

[Elijah0007]

It definitely does sound intriguing... I'll keep this on the heavy side though. Nice review.

[Manang Muyang]

I'd keep my box of tissues while I read this book. Great review.

I do hope you get to meet Sage and the roach.

[Manang Muyang]

Sage sounds like someone I'd LOVE to read about. Excellent review!

Thanks for your sweet words. Sage will grow on you.

[Manang Muyang]

It definitely does sound intriguing... I'll keep this on the heavy side though. Nice review.

When you're in the mood for some eye-cleansing, remember Sage.

[nwankwo chibuchi]

A book that gives insight into the struggles of people in the LGBT community may not necessarily appeal to me but will definitely to a wide range of readers. Great review

[Manang Muyang]

A book that gives insight into the struggles of people in the LGBT community may not necessarily appeal to me but will definitely to a wide range of readers. Great review

Everyone is fighting a unique battle. I hope we all win.

Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment.

[Ceeco2002]

Seems like a really interesting novel. Great review!

[Manang Muyang]

Seems like a really interesting novel. Great review!

I hope you can read it too. Thanks for dropping by.

[Chesko]

This story is intriguing and mysterious. Definitely a must-read for me.

[Manang Muyang]

This story is intriguing and mysterious. Definitely a must-read for me.

I do wish you could meet Sage.

[Mmaduabuchi Eze]

Religion is a complex thing. And parents should not force their children into their own faith, but rather take time to explain the basics to them.

[Manang Muyang]

Religion is a complex thing. And parents should not force their children into their own faith, but rather take time to explain the basics to them.

I can only agree. Thanks for your visit and comment.