Thursday, April 27, 2023

Book Review and GIVEAWAY: Liquid Shades of Blue, by James Polkinghorn {ends 5/4}

Guest review by: Becki Bayley

Back in the kitchen mindlessly picking at the eggs Marta had placed before me, I noticed that the Duke had turned to look at me, apparently sensing that we were through talking about Bobby.

“So after you’ve eaten, I’d like to take you over to the condo to look around. Maybe you’ll notice something. The homicide cop really wasn’t looking for anything. At least it seemed to me.”

Unspoken here was his supposition that my experience with suicide might yield some insight refuting his murderous lover fantasy. The Duke was always practical and wouldn’t want to waste time on a pipe dream, however much he wanted it to be true. 

“Sure,” I responded. “I wanted to see it either way. I was hoping I could find some meaning in it. Or maybe just understanding.”

Pushing my plate away, I concluded. “Let’s go.”

Jack thought the tragedies in his life were over. He was happy that he had a mostly solitary life that he enjoyed.

Official synopsis:
Book Review and GIVEAWAY: Liquid Shades of Blue, by James Polkinghorn {ends 5/4}
When hungover ex-lawyer and Key West bar owner Jack Girard groggily wakes up one morning, he’s greeted by a beautiful woman lying next to him and a shrill, ringing telephone. Seeing the call is from his father, Claude “The Duke” Girard, Jack answers. Within seconds, he learns that his mother is dead in an apparent suicide, and Jack hits the road, heading back to his childhood home in Miami to face his tyrannical father.

The death of his mother brings up haunting memories from Jack’s past—memories of his brother Bobby’s suicide when they were in college together. Being back in Miami only continues to dredge up his family traumas, but things grow more complicated when The Duke suggests that his estranged wife’s alleged suicide may have been a murder.

As Jack begins to uncover the truth about his mother’s death, including the secret she had revealed to only two people—the same secret Bobby had taken with him to his grave—he finds himself in imminent danger. Can Jack reveal the true story before it’s too late? He has to act quickly, or he fears he may be the victim of the next Girard family tragedy.

Jack was a fun charactera smart former lawyer who chose to leave that career path instead of crossing the more powerful attorney in town, his father. He moves to Key West and buys a neighborhood bar that was previously just being managed by locals while being owned by business people far away. His lawyer smarts come in handy for those of his friends who may need assistance in Key West, but he mostly minds his own business and enjoys his own company.

He hasn’t gotten close to many people since the death of his brother while they were in college, and then his assumed disgrace in the legal community. When his mother unexpectedly dies, he’s confronted with some of the old relationships that he just let go when he moved on to his new life. Sorting it all out again may be the key to solving the problems of his past and moving on to a future where he can actually be happy.

This was an enjoyable read that earned 3 out of 5 stars. It could be recommended for those who like family dramas with a bit of mystery, and quirky characters with interesting motivations. While it may have been a little less-exciting in the middle, the ending made it worth it.

{click here to purchase from Amazon}

Becki Bayley is a daughter, sister, wife and mother. She enjoys reading and supporting her local theater. Check out what else she’s up to on Instagram where she posts as PoshBecki.

GIVEAWAY:

One of my lucky readers will win a copy of Liquid Shades of Blue!

Enter via the widget below. The giveaway will end on Thursday, May 4th, at 11:59pm EST, and the winner will be contacted the next day via email and have 24 hours to respond, or an alternate winner will be chosen.

U.S. residents only, please.

Good luck!

Liquid Shades of Blue, by James Polkinghorn

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