Review of Quest: Finding Freddie

[Daniel Hughess]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Quest: Finding Freddie" by Thomas Richard Spradlin.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Thomas Richard Spradlin's writing style masterfully blends the strengths of John Grisham and James Patterson without inheriting any of their weaknesses. "Quest: Finding Freddie" is inspired by a real case that Spradlin encountered while working at a renowned law firm. Set in Nigeria in 1979, the author recounts an adventure that is almost beyond belief.

Although political intrigue is not typically my preferred genre, I was captivated by the chance to learn about African culture. I appreciated that the author included rich details about various tribes, their cuisine, and their attire. Some of the dialogue is in Pidgin English, offering further cultural insights. Additionally, Spradlin provides footnotes after each chapter, filled with facts that are not included in the main narrative. I was also pleased that the political elements were kept minimal but effectively served as a backdrop for the characters' adventures.

The protagonist, referred to as Richard in the story, embarks on what appears to be an impossible mission to locate a man who has vanished during a business trip to Nigeria. Because Spradlin preserved all the documents, journals, correspondence, and receipts related to this case, he was able to reconstruct the story with meticulous accuracy. Throughout the harrowing ordeal, I found myself bracing for the worst while hoping for the best.

One of my favorite aspects of the book were the italicized remarks that Richard makes to himself. These often snide comments brought a smile to my face. My favorite character was Chima, the driver Richard hires, who becomes an active participant in the search for the missing man. Chima's honesty, kindness, and loyalty provided a sharp contrast to the ruthless antagonists.

Although there were a few minor errors and typos, they were not significant enough to detract from the overall experience. I rate this book five out of five stars, as I found nothing to dislike. With summer vacation approaching, reading "Quest: Finding Freddie" would be an ideal way to stay engaged while traveling.

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Quest: Finding Freddie
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