Blood Parish
By E. J. Findorff
TW: rape
It’s fun to find a book you enjoy. It’s even better when you find an author whose books you’re eager to keep reading. Not only did I enjoy E.J. Findorff’s Blood Parish, I’ve already got another of his books to read.
After a brief start in New Orleans, Findorff takes us away from the city to Lemon Twig in Moreau Parish. The Blondeaux crime family rules the Parish, controlling both legitimate and criminal business there. Decades prior, a baseball team bus disappeared, and none of the players were found. The family’s elderly Patronne may have valuable information about the case, and the FBI wants to take one last attempt to get information while she is still alive.
While most of the Blondeaux family remained in Lemon Twig, the Patronne’s granddaughter Angel left the Parish to join the FBI. Her family disapproves of her decision and shunned her. When Angel is returning home for her aunt’s funeral, the FBI set up a cover story that Angel had been suspended. The agency hoped that Angel would be trusted enough to get clues to the players’ fate.
Findorff does a great job drawing the reader into this sinister clan. The book has plenty of unexpected twists. Characters make shocking choices that make sense in hindsight because of how well each character was developed.
The end of the book provides a special treat by mentioning an intriguing case the FBI could investigate next. Even better, Findorff provided a sample chapter of the sequel that sucked me in immediately. I can’t wait until it’s published.
E. J. Findorff is an author who not only wrote an excellent mystery but has me wanting to read more of his books.
Thanks to BookSirens and E.J. Findorff for the free advance review copy.
