Lavine reveals the story’s exciting twists carefully, and the multiple dueling plot lines, combined with well-developed characters, nicely tie the story together. Sam, who’s strapped for income and looking for ways to make ends meet, makes it his mission to find the treasure and turn a profit, but when he hits pay dirt he realizes he was only being used as a pawn in a more sinister plot. Readers will enjoy the mystery—and find themselves rooting for Sam and the sharply drawn side characters who get caught up in the same web of secrets and lies. When the mess becomes too sticky, and his son (and community) are threatened, Sam opts to work with the local authorities to extricate himself, a welcome and realistic move that creates its own set of complications.

Lavine utilizes multiple locales, a child phenomenon, and the threat of a cartel to build to the epic climax and satisfying conclusion, all executed with a polish and inventiveness that will please fans of brisk whodunits. Moments of romance are expertly blended into the high stakes criminal activity. Readers who can stomach the occasionally shocking violence will root for Sam to safely outsmart the antagonists.

Takeaway: A page-turning thriller full of mystery, twists, and cartel danger at the Canadian border.

Great for fans of: Ted Wood, Jon Redfern’s The Boy Must Die.

Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A