REVIEW: THE FALL

By L.J. Bourne

Published by Waterside Dreams Press

“The Fall” cries out to be picked up and read at one sitting because it’s engrossing!

Accident or murder? ‘Whodunit’? These are the questions on everyone’s lips in the picturesque, small northern Italian town of Altona after its butcher was found dead in a ravine the previous morning. Special Investigator of the US Military Criminal Investigations Division, Mark Novak, 35, is hired to resolve this dilemma. The situation becomes complicated when Mark discovers that an old flame stationed at headquarters has been assigned by its commander as his special assistant.

While the local medical examiner ruled the death an accident a ‘fact’ readily accepted by all in Altona except the deceased’s mother, Mark, as a matter of norm is suspicious.
This is fueled by Major Harrison’s allegation that the press contends that the “US Military is harboring a murderer”, a “PR nightmare.” Mark’s response: “I follow the facts to the truth in my investigations… The absolute truth,” Not the truth the Military wants me to find. This determination gives rise to the conflict in the intriguing yet realistic mystery, a situation exacerbated by ex-girlfriend, Sergeant Mia Brady being assigned as an interpreter.

Notwithstanding the ‘complications’ and the detracting influence of his former lover who wants to reignite the relationship, Mark manages to conduct an unbiased investigation, with a surprising conclusion.

“The Fall” is written in a realistic, credible manner that makes for easy reading, facilitated by professional editing. I found only three errors in the text. The storytelling is unconventional, making it a welcome break from the drudge. Being visual also helps the reader to see the locations and the characters of the town. This is refreshing, compared with the plodding investigations following a suspicious death.

I have no hesitation in warding LJ Bourne’s “The Fall” five out of five stars and wholeheartedly recommend it to crime, murder-mystery aficionados. It is a delightful read.