The Reunion

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down
Review: Great mystery for summer reading. Loved it!! Honestly, could not put the book down. Write more books please!

Rating:
Summary: "The Reunion" - A Good Read
Review: This fictional mystery is a fine effort by first-time author Grant. The book is an excellent quality paperback with an attractive cover. The fonts chosen for the text are easily readable.

The story line involves the fictional Stone Grey returning to his twentieth high school reunion in Ocean's Harbor, Maine. The reunion is a cover for the real purpose of his trip, and once there he becomes involved in a complex situation. In addition to the murder of a relative, there are deep family secrets and illegal but profitable activities occurring within the tightly knit small town. Stone must get to the bottom of these mysteries for his peace of mind and to clear the family name. In the process, he is exposed to lies, intrigue, and personal danger.

Interestingly, the plot is framed within Stone Grey's autobiographical exploration. Or is this really an autobiography of the author? After all, both Grant and Grey are Maine natives and graduates of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Furthermore, in real life Grant's dog is named "Casey" and Grey's fictional mother is named "Cassie."

In any event, the story unfolds logically, slowly at first, but then moves ahead with increasing speed, until it roars to an explosive climax. The characters are clearly defined and are interesting people. Is it accidental that all the female characters are upstanding, warm, and lovable folks, while most of the males (other than family members) are deceitful, dishonest, and just plain bad guys?

There are several sub-plots, the most interesting of which is the mutual physical attraction between Stone and two women. One is his old high-school sweetheart, Penny, and the other is a new acquaintance, Lissa, whom he met on a plane. The women are competitors for Stone's lust. Who will pair off with whom? Perhaps this is a subject for Grant's next book?

Michael James Grant is a good writer and he paints some nice word pictures. For example, on page 3, Stone says, "sadness covers me like a heavy blanket on a hot summer night." On page 61 Lissa is drinking a glass of beer: "She takes another small sip, her sarcasm dripping like the condensation on her glass." But for me Grant's most creative writing is his short Chapter 23 (pages 128-131) where he magnificently details Stone Grey's frightening nightmare. Unfortunately the book has not been tightly edited and there are difficulties with some misspellings and use of apostrophes. However, this does not seriously detract from its entertainment value.

This is a good read and once you start it you will find it difficult to put down.