Review of Moonshine Mesa

[Kelsey Roy]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Moonshine Mesa" by A.W. Baldwin.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Moonshine Mesa by A.W. Baldwin is a mystery novel highlighting environmental and societal issues, such as pollution, drugs, and corporate corruption. The story opens with a mountain recluse named Relic tracking a string of dead bees through the Canyonlands National Park in Utah. As Relic follows the trail of death, he stumbles upon the ultimate surprise- a dead body. The story then moves on to Parker, a low-level employee at a giant law firm in Grand Junction, Colorado, that controls some old oil pumps just north of the mesa in Utah. Parker and his co-worker Dom are sent to the pumps to check faulty pressure readings, but what they discover forces Parker to fight for his life in the wake of corporate corruption.

My favorite aspect of this novel is the short chapters that bounce the reader's perspective from character to character to highlight different plot points, which eventually merge. The author was able to leave chapters ending on cliffhangers through this method. For example, Relic and Parker could be in mortal danger, and Baldwin would end the chapter and move to another aspect of the story, leaving me yearning for more information.

I found nothing to dislike within this book. Baldwin addresses environmental concerns and societal problems, such as the fentanyl epidemic and corporate embezzlement. I found this standpoint added to the seriousness of the mystery and provided a real-world element to a thrilling plot.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I found one minor grammatical error throughout the 71 chapters, which is an impressive feat of editing. The story is fast-paced and action-packed. The multiple POVs and plot points kept me wondering where the author would take me next, and I couldn't put the book down.

I recommend this novel to readers interested in crime mystery novels, national parks, or the outdoors. Readers passionate about environmental issues and fixing corruption will also find something in common with the author. I found this book fascinating from the first chapter, so readers itching for some action will enjoy this book. Violence and profanity are prevalent throughout the book, so I caution young readers.

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Moonshine Mesa
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[Uchechi uk]

Wow...71 chapters. Not a fan of lengthy books and the reviewer did well to gave a lovely summary. The author also grabbed the attention of the readers and made it into short stories. Very well-written review. Congratulations!

[NetMassimo]

The themes addressed in this crime thriller are interesting and important more than ever today considering the harm the world is suffering because of pollution, drugs, and corporate pollution. Thank you for your great review!

[RutvikPatel]

"Moonshine Mesa" by A.W. Baldwin impresses with its short, suspenseful chapters that weave together environmental concerns, societal issues, and a thrilling plot. The story's multiple perspectives keep readers engaged, while its focus on real-world problems adds depth to the mystery. A well-edited and action-packed novel recommended for crime mystery enthusiasts and those passionate about addressing environmental and corruption issues.

[Cara Wilding]

This sounds like a great read! I find the name "Relic" to be amusing, as if a mountain recluse was a thing of the past in todays modern world. I love that this book takes place in my neck of the woods, that always helps ground me to a story. I also enjoy short chapters with rising tension - always reminds me of my first interactions with Sydney Sheldon books! Thanks so much for this review!