Guardian of Innocence (New Zealand Murder Mysteries)

Rating:
Summary: Guardian of Innocence is a Winner
Review: Good thing iUniverse.com is bringing back deserving out-of-print books. Guardian of Innocence, a jewel of many facets, is one of these.

It's a murder mystery. A priceless Celtic religious amulet is stolen, the thief is murdered, and the only witness - a child - is unable to shed light on the situation. And the amulet has vanished.

It's a romance. Marla Creighton, the child's companion, must sort her way among three tall-and-handsomes (two dark, one light). Who's the good guy; who's bad? Marla's choices may well determine her future, as well as whether she and her young charge will have any future at all.

It's a gustatory thriller, replete with descriptions of food that would turn a monk's attention from his prayers.

It's a marvelous travelogue, as the action moves among lovingly-portrayed New Zealand landscapes with their flora, fauna, art, dances, and native celebrations. New Zealand itself becomes a character in this novel, from the spirit-lifting sheep country, to the fascinating cities of Dunedin and Christchurch, to the fabulous Glowworm Caves, an impressive backdrop for some good old dastardly deeds, courageous enterprises, and suspense as the novel whips to its close.

There are even a couple of interesting twists at the end. Check out this book; it's like nothing you've ever read.

Rating:
Summary: Upbeat Mystery
Review: Guardian of Innocence contains the danger, fear and suspense essential to keeping the pages turning. The description of New Zealand reads like a travelog as Boynton sets emotional tone. The character of Marla Creighton is skillfully developed so the reader feels her anxious anticipation turn to disappointment when things are not as they had seemed, and, as the plot unfolds, her doubts and fears. Her spirit is never down for long. Hope, faith and a strong will create a believable heroine. When she perceives the life of eleven-year old Jessica is endangered because she may know the identity of a killer, Marla puts her own life on the line. The surprise ending adds the cherry to all the other ingredients which will fill a mystery lovers sweet tooth.

Rating:
Summary: This book took me back to New Zealand
Review: While I found Guardian of Innocence an intriguing mystery with well-drawn characters, it was Boynton's descriptions of New Zealand that really made the book for me. I have been to many of the places the Marla and Jessica went and it was fun to revisit them. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has been to New Zealand or is planning to go there. Boynton will make it come alive for you.