A Rock and a Hard Place

Rating:
Summary: In my opinion
Review: Although I don't regularly read books like this one, it was well worth the change of scenery. Based in modern times, this books opens with the brutal murder of a town local, Ramona Walker. When the main character, Bear, finds out his brother is a suspect, he is set between a rock and a hard place. He is the detective in charge of the case and has to face sending his brother to the electric chair or to set him free. The novel is intriguing and while it has it's dull moments, it is continously suspenseful and alluring. For a reader who is open to new kinds of reading, this is definetely worth the time.

Rating:
Summary: In my opinion
Review: Although I don't regularly read books like this one, it was well worth the change of scenery. Based in modern times, this books opens with the brutal murder of a town local, Ramona Walker. When the main character, Bear, finds out his brother is a suspect, he is set between a rock and a hard place. He is the detective in charge of the case and has to face sending his brother to the electric chair or to set him free. The novel is intriguing and while it has it's dull moments, it is continously suspenseful and alluring. For a reader who is open to new kinds of reading, this is definetely worth the time.

Rating:
Summary: A good beginning
Review: Here's the first book in a series with distinct possibilities: the black man who "made good," graduated valedictorian at his high school, went on to get himself well educated and, ultimately, became the only black detective on the force in Deacon Beach. What is striking here is the insight into the sensibilities of being a qualified person of color in a racist environment. What is troubling is the depiction of Ramona Walker, much admired, much lusted-after owner of an enormously successful eating establishment and the person most responsible for Barrett "Bear" Raines's being hired by the local police department. Turns out Ramona had a secret, private life that was beyond sleazy and completely inexplicable.

When Ramona is found murdered and Bear's brother, Delton, is the prime suspect, all the ingredients are in place for both a close study of historical family dynamics as well as the bizarre secret life of Ramona. Both are, in the end, a little hard to buy. But along the way there are some good action scenes and a few scenes with Delton and Bear's twin sons that are beautifully executed.

That said, I just couldn't buy the turnabout ending. It just didn't play for me, in terms of what the author structured. Worth reading, and certainly an author worth following.

Rating:
Summary: A good beginning
Review: Here's the first book in a series with distinct possibilities: the black man who "made good," graduated valedictorian at his high school, went on to get himself well educated and, ultimately, became the only black detective on the force in Deacon Beach. What is striking here is the insight into the sensibilities of being a qualified person of color in a racist environment. What is troubling is the depiction of Ramona Walker, much admired, much lusted-after owner of an enormously successful eating establishment and the person most responsible for Barrett "Bear" Raines's being hired by the local police department. Turns out Ramona had a secret, private life that was beyond sleazy and completely inexplicable.

When Ramona is found murdered and Bear's brother, Delton, is the prime suspect, all the ingredients are in place for both a close study of historical family dynamics as well as the bizarre secret life of Ramona. Both are, in the end, a little hard to buy. But along the way there are some good action scenes and a few scenes with Delton and Bear's twin sons that are beautifully executed.

That said, I just couldn't buy the turnabout ending. It just didn't play for me, in terms of what the author structured. Worth reading, and certainly an author worth following.

Rating:
Summary: Great story!
Review: I really have nothing to add to the previous three glowing comments about this mystery novel. I agree with their statements. They have really said it all. However, I'm really pleased to know that Wimberley has a sequal. I hope that he settles the question in the new novel of what happened to his nieces (Corrie's and Delton's daughters). As the story ended in Rock and a Hard Place, his characters Laura Anne & Barrett Raines, were sitting on Fort Walton Beach with their twin sons after the death of Barrett's brother Delton and sister-in-law Corrie, but no mention is made of the orphaned children.