In Flames by Richard Hilary Weber (3.5 stars)

About In Flames

Pages: 188
Published by : Alibi

In Richard H. Weber’s passionate new thriller, a smoldering mystery ignites on a tropical island as lust, murder, and politics collide.

San Iñigo is a jewel of the Caribbean, a playground paradise for the foreign elite, a hell for unfortunate locals. For recent Princeton grad Dan Shedrick, San Iñigo promises the fulfillment of too many desires.

Dan hires on at a powerful American firm as a junior architect, but still finds time for tennis, booze, a reckless affair with the sexy wife of a resort owner—even a bit of reconnaissance for the U.S. cultural attaché. But soon he discovers that nothing on San Iñigo is without consequence. When a much-loved local radio personality is found on a beach with his head blown off, Dan’s lover becomes a suspect. And not long after his foray into espionage, he’s dragged away on a brutal journey into the heart of darkness.

Buffeted by aggression, depraved ritual, and personal betrayal, Dan discovers fierce truths about San Iñigo . . . and himself. In the island’s forbidding mountain jungle, his life goes up in flames—a deadly inferno that will forever change him, if he survives at all.

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Review

While in paradise, the beautiful San Inigo, Dan Shedrick finds temptation and opportunity. Unfortunately, he also stumbles upon a murder which exposes some shady dealings. Drawn in by a seductive woman, he soon finds himself captive deep in the forest. Will he be the next victim?

Most of us think of the beauty of the Caribbean as a getaway. For Dan, the toxic beauty of the island, and a sexy woman, become his downfall. Corruption is around every corner, and he seems pulled in by all of it. Murder is only the tip of the iceberg. 

What I thought would be an interesting murder mystery, turned into a commentary on political strife and corruption. Ultimately, Dan wasn't just facing an intense police department threatening to name him a suspect or collaborator; he ended up caught in a much more dangerous political storm. Most of it comes at the hand of a manipulative woman. Still, there's redemption.

The storyline and intrigue pulled me in early on, and the characters were complex and memorable. However, somewhere in the middle, I felt lost thanks to the switch from who-done-it to political thriller. By the end, I reconnected. I just wish the transition would have been smoother.

That being said, the author created an intense thrill ride with palpable moments. I can honestly say there wasn't a moment where I was bored or disinterested, just slightly confused. Overall, a captivating read.

Rating: 3.5 stars

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About the Author

Richard Hilary Weber, a native of Brooklyn and a Columbia University graduate, has taught at the universities of Stockholm and Copenhagen, and has been a scriptwriter for French and Swedish filmmakers. He lives in Provence, France.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

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