Previous Finalists

‘A skillfully plotted detective novel with a strong cast of characters.’ The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
It seems to me that the detective novel is still a popular read for many readers. I also enjoy sitting down with a good murder mystery, and rooting for the overworked (but always charismatic) detective as he, or she, attempts to find answers and uncover who did what to who. So I was delighted to pick up Flotsam by Patricia Boomsma, a well-written, cleverly plotted mystery focusing on Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kelly Flynn and her attempts to find missing women. But Flotsam is not just another mystery, it's also a commentary on how missing women can be treated by law enforcement, particularly if they happen to be native to the country.
There are many aspects to this novel I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, the protagonist, Kelly, is a force to be reckoned with. I loved how determined she was in her hunt for justice, and I liked the added complication of her troubled teenage daughter, Ruth. Secondly, in terms of law enforcement and how the system works, the author seems to know her stuff. Although the technicality of the legal system hurts the pacing in parts, it's still interesting, and adds a lot to the novel. Thirdly, the author works well with speech, successfully using it to develop the characters and, of course, the plot.
All in all, I'm very happy to recommend this book to anybody who enjoys a puzzling mystery, and possibly has an interest in how law enforcement and the criminal legal system works. It's a fascinating read, depressing in parts, but the dynamic Kelly’s always there to keep things moving. In fact, I liked the hero so much, I'm hoping to see her in many more books in the future.

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk