Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading
Written on Dec 3, 2016
When I was first introduced to John W. Mefford’s work I did not have high expectations. However, after reading his Booker series he has joined my list of must read authors for mysteries/thrillers. Now that I am at the end of the Alex Troutt series my expectations have increased exponentially.
For me of all the books in the series, this one had the capacity to rip my heart out. It was an emotional journey for me. I can’t begin to imagine how Alex must have felt to discover that her mother who she believed had died 32 years ago was alive and living in a cultish community. To discover that she had been lied to all these years by the one person she thought she could trust.
The atrocities depicted in this story could literally bring a grown man to his knees. It was a stark reminder of the evils lurking in this world. As usual, the story was fast-paced and suspenseful. From the moment Alex discovered that there was a possibility that her mom is alive I was kept on the edge of my seat to the very end. In this installment, I got an in-depth view of Alex’s relationship with Brad. I liked that she finally came to terms with the age differences.
What I enjoyed about this series is that the focus is not solely on solving crimes and capturing the perpetrators. It also explores the emotional aspects. In doing this the author made it easy for me to connect with Alex on all levels throughout the duration of the series. Alex did not have things easy, but in the end, she triumphed.
I enjoyed this story, however, there was an aspect of it that I was not thrilled with. I can’t say much for fear of giving the plot away. However, what I can say is that I was disappointed with how Alex’s reunion with her mom went. For me that moment was heartbreaking. I was hoping that in the end, it would bring joy for both parties, but this was not the case. I guess we can’t always get what we wish for. Even as I sit here thinking about that scene I can’t stop the tears from flowing. I can’t imagine how they both must have felt at that precise moment.
Verdict: A Great story. A fitting end to what I consider to be a great series. I am going to miss Alex and her friends, especially Archie. Can’t wait to see what next Mr. Mefford has in store for his fans.