I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A local theatre director’s accidental death brings new questions after his widow is robbed, and motives are questioned in author Erik D’Souza’s “Death on the Rocks.”
The Synopsis
Every amateur detective secretly believes they are smarter than the police. Suzanne Rickson doesn’t think that. She has faith in Sergeant Bridges’ assessment that the director of their seniors’ theatre troupe, the beloved Wilbur Ghostkeeper, most likely slipped and perished on the rocky shoreline of the Salish Sea.
But Suzanne quickly regrets her naïveté after Wilbur’s widow is violently robbed and assaulted.
Is it too late to investigate the likelihood that whoever attacked the widow may have murdered her husband? Suzanne reluctantly accepts the truth that, yes, she is brighter than the police, and without her, a killer would go free.
THE REVIEW
This was yet another compelling, gripping cozy mystery crime thriller the author has crafted for this wonderful series. The suspicious death that jump-starts this narrative creates the doubt and suspicion that any good crime thriller is known for, and the balance of witty characters, dialogue, and tense, atmospheric settings really does a great job of serving the reader.
What really makes this book such a great read is the dynamic character development. Not only does the protagonist represent both the senior community and the amateur sleuth community, but the relationships that she has with both her husband and the police, including a certain detective, as well as the community at large, play a big role in how the story develops, especially as each new clue deepens the mystery of this shocking crime.
THE VERDICT
Thrilling, cozy, and wildly entertaining, author Erik D’Souza’s “Death on the Rocks” is a must-read amateur sleuth meets crime thriller novel. The twists and turns that the mystery takes, the richly developed characters, and the immersive experience that makes you feel as if you are living through this murder investigation that the protagonist takes on herself, feel like a great limited series waiting to be developed at Peacock or Netflix, creating powerful imagery through the writing that blends into the reader’s mind. If you haven’t yet, please be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Erik D’Souza is an author and publisher based in Vancouver, BC. He co-owns the publishing company Timbercrest Publishing. Among his works, “Death in Halfmoon Bay” stands out as the first book in the Suzanne Rickson Mystery Series. Suzanne is more than a clever and resourceful sleuth; she is a doting grandmother and devoted Christian who often seeks advice from her cherished priest, Father O’Brian.
He is the social media and podcast host for Crime Writers of Canada, a national non-profit organization dedicated to Canadian mystery and crime writers. He is the president of the Tri-City Wordsmiths and hosts the popular reading series, Writers in our Midst, at his local library. Erik’s involvement in these gatherings fosters creativity, collaboration, and support among writers in the Vancouver area.
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