Twenty Blue Devils

Gideon Oliver Mystery

ISBN: 0-7927-2218-3 Order from: Amazon.com Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com

Entertaining mystery set in an exotic locale of Tahiti, it lacks deep insight and particular plausibility, but rich on fascinating forensic detail.

Reviewed by David on May 22, 2004

Genre: Mystery (Amateur Sleuth)

Synopsis: Professor Gideon Oliver is a forensic anthropologist. When a friend of his asks for his help with a mysterious accident of a relative, Gideon reluctantly agrees. The man died on a French Polynesian island, and Gideon's investigation takes place on the beautiful island of Tahiti. While charmed by the country, Gideon is frustrated by his lack of official authority. The corpse is long-buried, and neither the family nor the police want to reopen the investigation. Nonetheless, some clues emerge, and Gideon finds more and more signs of foul play.

Full Review: The book excells in details, and has problems with the main plot. The details of forensic anthropology are enthralling, and the beauty of Tahiti and intricacies of the high-end coffee manufacture engage and keep the reader's interest. Alas, the plot is at times implausible, and at others seems either dragging or forced to hurry. The characters are colorful, but not sympathetic, and the mystery seems contrived, with plenty of red herrings and telegraphed revolations.

The book on the whole is entertaining, but more for the rich background than the rather weak plot.

Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 6;

ISBN: 0-7927-2218-3 Order from: Amazon.com Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com