Book Review: Robert Sparkman's 'Prisoner Prodigal Pawn'

A Realistic and Redeeming Mystery (4 stars)

'Prisoner Prodigal Pawn' is the story of a father and his two sons, all of whom are pawns in a game of greed and deception. This mystery story is satisfying as the prodigal son, Elton Mozingo, sets about solving the tangled web of their manipulation. 

The characters and dialogue are well-drawn. The American mystery genre usually has a wise-cracking detective morbidly observing the world around him. This is a sober outing in the genre, focused on the injustice one family endures. Mystery novels also often romanticize violence. This story is refreshing for showing the greed and violence with economy and a stark realism, and the very real effects this has on innocents. 

In the absence of humor in a mystery we enjoy seeing the protagonist come to know his own mind. It's as though solving the crime leads the hero to self-knowledge. This does occur for Mozingo. 

Overall, this is a rewarding story that challenges the boundaries of its genre, and should hold your interest throughout.

From the Book Description:

A young attorney digging in his law firm's past in order to free his father from prison, is warned to be careful, "some things are like sacred burial grounds, and are better left alone... out of respect." He charges ahead nevertheless, and confronts those he believes are responsible, but when a close colleague is found dead and the evidence points to him as the murderer, Elton Mozingo is faced with his greatest fear; ending up just like his father, an innocent man in jail for a crime he didn't commit. 

Prisoner Prodigal Pawn, follows the adventures of the Mozingo family as they try to unravel a conspiracy that has led to one of their own, Elton Mozingo, to be set up for murder. The story is an insider’s tale, set in the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico and revolves around a law firm, an Indian casino, tribal politics, and delves into questions of race and identity throughout. The Mozingo brothers, Elton and Charles, as well as their convicted-felon father, BP, are the eponymous prisoner, prodigal son, and pawn caught up in an elaborate embezzlement scheme that its perpetrators would kill to keep hidden.

As a fugitive from justice, Elton soon realizes that the death of his colleague and the pursuit of his father’s innocence are connected. Bill Baxter, of the Baxter and Baxter law firm wants Elton captured before he uncovers much more of the past that will destroy him and his firm. Rather than seek help from his estranged brother, a tribal police officer, Elton turns to the aid of a childhood friend, Oda Raines who uses him to pursue an agenda of her own. She has been an outspoken critic of the tribal leaders for the corruption associated with the casino. The firm’s largest client is the local Native American tribe, and it is the wealth from its gaming operations that is at the heart of Elton’s troubles. Oda is ultimately faced with the choice of either saving herself or turning on an old friend. 

The chase for freedom propels Elton on a suspense filled journey where the forces at play eventually push him and his brother together on a quest for vengeance against those that created the wedge between them.

Prisoner Prodigal Pawn, with its diverse characters, will appeal to readers who enjoy thrillers, but also to readers of varied cultural backgrounds looking for a new kind of protagonist to root for. In addition, the subplot takes a look at a phenomenon quietly sweeping across the Native - American landscape, that of tribal members who are being disenrolled due to – some would say— the greed associated with the success casino gambling on Native – American soil.

Book Review: Silvia Villalobos' 'Stranger or Friend'

A Compelling Mystery Thriller (5 stars)

Part murder mystery, part psychological suspense, ‘Stranger or Friend’ is a well-told story of one woman’s struggle to make sense of the forces arrayed against her. The mystery begins when her best friend is murdered not long before Zoe’s return to her Wyoming hometown. 

The psychological element is Zoe’s journey back to the place and forces that molded her into the woman she’s become. The stranger or friend of the title refers in part to the identity of Lori’s murderer, but also to how she came to be a stranger to herself, and to those around her.

The only caveat in the novel is that in her search for answers Zoe follows up on a few too many leads, and some in too much detail. The Act 3 climax brings the mystery to a satisfying resolution, but it too would be stronger if events were accelerated.

That aside, the writing effectively evokes a dark, slightly off-balance tone of menace, confusion, and distrust. This tone is present in her discomfort in the too-open Wyoming landscape, in the friends and strangers living there, and especially in the crime that turns her life upside-down. The many varied characters are all clearly drawn; they speak and act differently, revealing something of their personality. 

‘Stranger or Friend’ makes for an exceptional and entertaining read. It brings you a hero you’ll care about, and tells a story that will keep you guessing until the end.

From the Book Description:

L.A. lawyer Zoe Sinclair finds her Wyoming hometown reeling from the murder of its most popular resident: her best friend, Lori. Not less unnerving are the strange cries coming from the woods. The lawyer inside the woman is prompted into action, but she meets resistance from a town wary of outsiders. 

When a second body is found and Zoe is threatened, the case turns personal. Under pressure from the sheriff to leave the probing to the police, and taunted by the killer’s subtle messages, Zoe finds herself trapped in a game of hunter and prey.