On a clear, moonlit night in December, police detective Jimmy Vega races to the scene of a reported home invasion in an upscale New York community. As Vega arrives, he spots a Hispanic man who fits the description of the armed intruder, running from the victim's estate. Vega chases him into the woods. When the suspect refuses to surrender--and reaches into his pocket--Vega has only seconds to make a life-or-death decision. What begins as a tragic mistake takes an even darker turn when Vega uncovers disturbing links between the dead man and his own mother's brutal, unsolved murder. Vega's need for answers propels him back to his old Bronx neighborhood, where he is viewed as a disgraced cop, not a homegrown hero. It also puts him at odds with his girlfriend, Adele Figueroa, head of a local immigrant center, who must weigh her own doubts about his behavior. When a shocking piece of evidence surfaces, it becomes clear that someone doesn't want Vega to put all the pieces together--and is willing to do whatever it takes to bury the truth. Only by risking everything will Vega be able to find justice, redemption, and the most elusive goal of all: the ability to forgive himself.
This is the first book I have ever read by Suzanne Chazin and I absolutely loved it. Because of the world we live in, everyone lives under a microscope, including the police. So when a police officer shoots an unarmed man, it makes national news. This story is about a police shooting. It is also about illegal immigrants, which is another hot topic in America. So combine these two hot topics and you get a story that keeps you riveted to the pages.
I liked Jimmy’s character, a lot. But I do think that him pushing off seeing the psychologist right after the shooting and not taking his friends (and Adele’s) advice about lying low was stupid. Real stupid and it made me kinda shake my head. But, he did get some good solid leads about his mother’s murder and his own impending court case.
Adele’s character was written great and I loved how torn she was on Jimmy’s shooting case. When the going got hot (pressure by the board of the local immigrant center + a TV personality who wanted her to join his cause against Jimmy), she didn’t buckle under pressure and kept her cool. Which meant distancing herself from Jimmy while investigating his case on her own.
The trio of storylines (Jimmy’s, his mother’s death and the other one….not giving it away) were tied together beautifully at the end. The twist that happened in the last chapters of the book kept me awake afterwards going “No way, not this person”. I also loved how the author resolved each storyline in a way that no one else got hurt (well Jimmy did, but you will have to read the book….lol).
How many stars will I give No Witness But the Moon? 5
Why? Like I said in my first sentence, this book takes 2 hot topics (police shootings and illegal immigrants) and skillfully tells a tale that intertwines both.
Will I reread? Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes
Age range? Adult
Why? No sex. Violence, which includes a pretty vivid description of a head being blown off at below the chin.
