Back home in Fiji after extensive rehabilitation on a wrecked knee, rugby champion Josefa "Joe" Horseman is looking forward to reconnecting with his family before returning to his beloved sport. Instead, the police detective is immediately put on the case of a young maid's death at a beachside resort.
He has an ambitious new partner who could easily be a hindrance rather than a help, and he's also under a great deal of pressure to solve the case before the high-end vacation spot takes a major hit to its reputation and its bottom line. But another body rises to the surface just as Horseman uncovers an important lead.
~
On my never-ending quest for mysteries with exotic locations, I came across this first Fiji Islands mystery, Death on Paradise Island. It was an enjoyable read; however, I'm undecided about continuing with the series.
I learned quite a bit about the Fiji Islands, the importance of rugby to its inhabitants, and the customs of its people. (I would imagine that Fijian traditional naming practices could drive genealogists to distraction.) I also liked reading about how a new marine preserve could affect both the wildlife and the human inhabitants of the islands.
Joe Horseman is an interesting character. He works very well with subordinates such as his new detective sergeant, Susie Singh, and his idea to form a rugby team for many of the feral children on the main island is definitely a good one. I also liked how his standing as a rugby champion opened a lot of doors for him during the investigation.
Another thing I enjoyed while reading was the musical Fijian language with a glossary provided in the back. Yes, there is a lot to like about Death on Paradise Island, but the pace of the story did bog down several times, and although Horseman and Singh are interesting characters, they didn't "shine" enough for me to want to grab the next book in the series. Decisions, decisions...
Death on Paradise Island by B.M. Allsopp
eISBN: 9780994571908
Coconut Press © 2016
eBook, 363 pages
Police Procedural, #1 Fiji Island mystery
Rating: B
Source: Purchased from Amazon.
Oh, I know exactly what you mean, Cathy! It's like a first date; you enjoyed it, you learned from it, you found the person interesting enough, but enough for another date? Not so easy to say. I've read a lot of books like that. I have to say I am interested in the Fiji location and it sounds as though that's depicted very well here. Hmm....
ReplyDeleteYes, it is well depicted here, and although I know it's something the author wouldn't want to hear, I think it works well as a "one-off."
DeleteI recently read A Disappearance in Fiji by Nilima Rao and was so intrigued because I hadn't read a book set there before. Now, here is another mystery set there! That does sound interesting. But with so many books to read, I can understand your hesitation if the book didn't Wow you.
ReplyDeleteYes, Gretchen. I read that book, too. Reading this one gave me a modern perspective on Fiji just as A Disappearance in Fiji gave me an historical one.
DeleteIt's a beautiful cover and a great first line. And I don't think I've ever read a book set in Fiji. I wouldn't mind trying this one...but if you didn't love it or the characters, I wouldn't continue with the series. Too many other better books to read.
ReplyDeleteAin't that the truth! ;-)
DeleteGood enough to give this one a try, since Fiji is a location I have not visited, in person nor on the page.
ReplyDeleteThose islands in the South Pacific have always fascinated me.
Delete