Title: Maddy’s Place
Author: R.L. Bowden
Publisher:XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1984509642
Pages: 594
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina
Pacific Book Review
Civil War author and journalist Ambrose Bierce once said, “Doubt, indulged and cherished, is in danger of becoming denial; but if honest, and bent on thorough investigation, it may soon lead to full establishment of the truth.” Author R.L. Bowden brings this quotation to fruition in the powerful, mind-bending adventure of criminal investigation in the thriller Maddy’s Place.
Following a murder investigation of a popular and wealthy town citizen, newly promoted Chief Homicide Detective Jack Diamonds is called into learn the truth behind a wealthy bowling legend and his secret connection to a home for wayward girls. The author does a marvelous job of weaving the mysteries and connections between the past and present, as well as the characters themselves. Jack Diamond is unlike any protagonist I’ve ever read in a mystery read such as this. A career beat-cop suddenly turned lead Homicide Detective, Diamond’s complex history with some of the town’s citizens and dealing with a group of inexperienced investigators made this a unique read and very immersing.
This is a novel for anyone who enjoys a great thriller or mystery read. It has a strange and unusual murder mystery driving the plot, and an even stranger collection of characters which leave readers guessing at whom is behind the crime for the entire 594 pages. As a fan of thrillers and murder-mystery style novels, I found the detail to criminal investigations and evidence gathering refreshing, giving readers a more in depth look into the process than most other novels within the genre have done in the past.
I totally enjoyed this read. Filled with strange characters with mysterious backgrounds, an ever-evolving investigation which will keep readers on the edge of their seat and an even pace, this is a novel not to miss. If you enjoy good murder-mysteries, then be sure to add R.L. Bowden’s novel Maddy’s Place on your list of books to read today!
