5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Noir Mystery

Deceptions and secrets abound in this story that is part coming-of-age, part family drama and all suspense. At times bittersweet, this book will pull on your heartstrings at the same time it leaves you on the edge of your seat. Although billed as a mystery, which it most certainly is, it also has the feel and atmosphere of noir. Hapless hero caught up in events beyond his control, dealings with thugs and smugglers, and an unrequited love for a girl who he feels is much too good for him. All the makings of a classic. As time runs out, you'll fly though the pages to see how he can possibly extricate himself from this impossible situation. And throughout all this, you'll still have time to marvel over the foreboding and atmospheric descriptions of the surrounding landscape. This is a book I literally fell into and didn't let up on until the very last page.