*I received a free DRC of this book with thanks to the author and Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Blurb: Parker City, Autumn 1984...
As the leaves begin to change colors and the weather starts turning cooler in the historic city in the heart of Western Maryland, Parker City Police Detectives Ben Winters and Tommy Mason are called to Saint Paul's where the recently installed Father Roland Taylor, who has become very popular in the community, has been found dead in his office at the church. By all appearances it seems to be a tragic case of a break-in gone wrong.
Only twenty-four hours later, the detectives find themselves at the home of the city's well-known morning radio show DJ, Morning Mike Moran, who also seems to have been the victim of a robbery gone wrong. Coincidence?
Neither Ben nor Tommy believe in coincidences. But at first glance, it seems to be just that. Until they find that the victims shared a common interest and begin an investigation that leads them to uncover a secret Parker City has been hiding for over one hundred and twenty years.
This is a dual timeline mystery story, following two separate murder cases in Parker City - one in 1984 and one in the 1860s - which turn out to not be so separate after all.
In the 80s narrative we follow detectives (sorry, Detective and Detective Sergeant!) Tommy and Ben, partners and friends, as they investigate a series of high-profile murders that appear to be linked in some way to the Civil War history of the city. In between these chapters, we get flashbacks to the1800s, where the Sheriff's department are investigating the violent disappearance of a prominent citizen and the conspiracy theories they uncover as they progress.
The pacing is nicely balanced between the two story threads, keeping you interested in both mysteries simultaneously while never confusing the two or staying with either for too long or short a time (which can make me lose the thread of one as I become more invested in the other). The modern detectives are a fun duo to follow, with their friendly banter as they tease each other in the way best friends do, but work as a seamless team when faced with suspects and clues. But I was also thoroughly engaged with Deputy Caleb Post and his dogged pursuit of the law amid the turmoil of the war, divided loyalties and moral grey areas (the latter of which actually seem pretty clear-cut with the benefit of hindsight, but were clearly more tricky to navigate at the time!).
I managed to work out what was going on in the older of the two mysteries presented, but will admit that the more modern one kept me guessing and the final reveal there was a complete surprise to me, despite the clues seeded throughout. I do love it when a mystery author red-herrings me successfully!
Although this is the third book in the Parker City mystery series, it worked perfectly well as a standalone - I didn't feel any information or background was missing as I read and the characters felt fully developed as they stood. However, having enjoyed the read, I would certainly go back and catch up on the first two books, and would read more from this series in future.
The best laid plans, Ben thought to himself as he parked in front of Saint Paul's Roman Catholic Church on Braddock Street. His hope of getting a few extra hours of sleep after spending the last several nights out late on a stakeout was shattered just a little after eight in the morning. The ringing of the telephone entwined seamlessly with his dream of being a concert violinist making his debut at Carnegie Hall. Something he could not in any way understand because he couldn't play any instrument, let alone the violin. It wasn't until the conductor in his dream started to tell him to leave his name and number after the beep that he realized he was hearing his own voice on the message answering machine.
With bleary eyes, he crossed out of the bedroom and into the kitchen, grabbing the telephone just as Shirley, one of the PCPD's dispatchers, was about to hang up.
"Hello. Hello?" he answered, trying to shake away the mental cobwebs.
"Hey, sweetie," Shirley said with her slight southern drawl. "Sorry to wake you."
"I wasn't…I mean, I…"
"It's okay, sugar. I heard you and Tommy were out late. But you got 'em, so it's all good."
"Yeah. We did. What's going on?"
"I'm afraid you're going to have to catch up on your sleep some other time, dumplin'. You need to get over to Saint Paul's. Patrol is reporting a break-in and Father Taylor was found D.O.A."
- Justin M. Kiska, Fact & Fiction
About the Author
When not sitting in his library devising new and clever ways to kill people (for his mysteries), Justin can usually be found at The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, outside of Washington, DC, where he is one of the owners and producers. In addition to writing the Parker City Mysteries Series - which includes, NOW & THEN, VICE & VIRTUE, and FACT & FICTION - he is also the mastermind behind Marquee Mysteries, a series of interactive mystery events he has been writing and producing for over fifteen years. Justin and his wife, Jessica, live along Lake Linganore outside of Frederick, Maryland.
Website link: JustinKiska.com
Goodreads: Goodreads
BookBub: @JMKiska
Instagram: @JMKiska
Twitter: @JustinKiska
Facebook: @JMKiska
Don't forget to check out the other blog stops on the tour for more great reviews and content!
02/14 Review @ It's All About the Book
02/15 Guest post @ The Book Divas Reads
02/15 Showcase @ Im Into Books
02/16 Review @ Review Thick & Thin
02/17 Review @ Bookshine and Readbows
02/17 Showcase @ Silvers Reviews
02/18 Review @ Books of my heart
02/18 Showcase @ Mythical Books
02/20 Showcase @ Books, Ramblings, and Tea
02/22 Interview @ darciahelle
02/24 Review @ Paws. Read. Repeat
02/27 Review @ Book Corner News & Reviews
02/27 Showcase @ FUONLYKNEW
02/28 Interview @ Hott Books
03/01 Showcase @ Celticladys Reviews
03/03 Review @ Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
03/07 Review @ Guatemala Paula Loves to Read
03/08 Guest post @ The Mystery of Writing
03/08 Showcase @ The Authors Harbor
03/10 Showcase and podcast reading @ Books to the Ceiling
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