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A review by jelpel
Brigands Key by Ken Pelham
5.0
"Eyes the poets say, are windows to the soul. The poets are misinformed. The eyes of the dead are windows to eternity and emptiness, and when you stare into them in an underwater cave, you see your own death."
The first few pages of this book spoke to my worst fears as a diver. I could easily imagine panicking and getting myself in major trouble in just such a situation. Being morbidly intrigued, I kept reading to find an engaging story that combined research with intricate twists and turns. I didn't stop reading until early the early hours of the morning.
The characters were entertaining and believable. I'll admit that I was initially worried by the large number of characters. Generally speaking, I have a hard time getting into multiple POVs, but each new character was fleshed out with a distinct personality. I especially enjoyed Julie Denton. Ever since I was first introduced to Preston & Child's Bill Smithback, I've had a soft spot for nosy journalists with an eye for unusual stories and a penchant to follow danger. She's ballsy and I love her for it. Luckily, Julie is the star of the sequel, for which I'm eagerly awaiting.
As for the setting, I was so thankful to find a Florida based novel that isn't set in Miami and filled with gators. The author showed a level of knowledge for local history and topography that other Florida natives will appreciate.
The first few pages of this book spoke to my worst fears as a diver. I could easily imagine panicking and getting myself in major trouble in just such a situation. Being morbidly intrigued, I kept reading to find an engaging story that combined research with intricate twists and turns. I didn't stop reading until early the early hours of the morning.
The characters were entertaining and believable. I'll admit that I was initially worried by the large number of characters. Generally speaking, I have a hard time getting into multiple POVs, but each new character was fleshed out with a distinct personality. I especially enjoyed Julie Denton. Ever since I was first introduced to Preston & Child's Bill Smithback, I've had a soft spot for nosy journalists with an eye for unusual stories and a penchant to follow danger. She's ballsy and I love her for it. Luckily, Julie is the star of the sequel, for which I'm eagerly awaiting.
As for the setting, I was so thankful to find a Florida based novel that isn't set in Miami and filled with gators. The author showed a level of knowledge for local history and topography that other Florida natives will appreciate.