Beck Valley Books

The author in the telling of this story, shows that he has researched and consulted with historians and car enthusiasts to produce a vivid description of the vehicles and the characters he portrays. When the body of Captain Bob, a local fisherman, is found drowned with curiously no damage to his boat, local knowledge and feelings towards the Captain sense foul play. The investigation and withdrawal from public life of a wealthy oilman and his daughter, as well as several deliveries during the night, point to his involvement in the death. The situation is fueled further when an African author meets with the United Nations in River Sunday and a bomb explodes. The only clue to help solve he mystery is 'Black-eyed Susan'. Can local Jim Tench solve the mystery before the terror escalates? The chapters are nice and short which gives the reader plenty of time to digest and follow the plot. The background and characters are a refreshing change, depicting that small local places really do know their own and are suspicious and weary of outsiders who want to change things. The story-line, with its twists and turns, is first class. Just when the reader thinks they have solved the mystery, the author then throws you off the track which makes this book more enjoyable. The setting description allows you to envisage it in your mind and the mystery and plot makes you exercise your 'little grey cells' as Hercule Poirot you cite.