I found over the years of reading multiple genres of books, that the really good ones break the perceived rules of expectation. When we pick up a thriller, for example, we expect the story to follow a particular formula. When it comes to murder and mystery, keeping the reader off-kilter is an art.
Drawn in by the cover and the name of this book, this author definitely keeps the reader off-balance. Continue for my full review.
Blood and Mascara by Colin Krainin
ASIN : B0D2V9PD4C
Publisher: Pulp Lit (July 9, 2024)
ISBN-13: 979-8989986804
Overview:
Washington, DC, 1997:
A city stumbling toward recovery after a decade of violence, drugs, AIDS, and exodus. Bronze Goldberg-a soft-boiled private detective in a hard-boiled world-scrapes out a living stalking the steps of cheating spouses while bearing the trauma of the past like an open wound. But his latest assignment, surveilling the indiscretions of a stunning femme fatale, has entangled him in the murder of an up-and-coming congressman and made him the target of an unstoppable assassin. Meanwhile, the spiraling chaos of Bronze’s dangerous adventures has attracted the obsessive attention of his landlord, Iris Margaryan, a brilliant romance novelist who may hold the missing piece in the puzzle of Bronze’s fatal past. Can Bronze survive long enough to reach the ultimate truth?
A gripping noir mystery-both intensely provocative and darkly thrilling-Blood and Mascara descends into the depths of the human soul before exploding in an ending too shocking to ever forget.
Blood and Mascara by Colin Krainin Review
I’ve read thousands of books over the years and they all seem to come with their patterns and expectations. As a reader, we expect things to happen in a particular way while the author’s job is to make their story stand out in the most unique way possible.
This author has created a story that requires the reader to slow down and actually absorb the words and try to decipher their meaning and significance.
Written in multiple timelines from multiple points of view, I have to admit it took me a few too many chapters to get into the rhythm of the story. The characters are diverse with the main character seemingly telling this story from either a drunken haze or with a wee bit of mania attached.
Bouncing in between timelines, and from character to character, is admittedly a bit difficult. But once I hunkered down and just powered through, the story became much more clear. Short reading stints are not recommended! IMOHO
This is a murder investigation/mystery from a PI point of view. The author also incorporates seemingly random character points of view as well with minuscule details that circle back the deeper we progress into the story.
The author does not shy away from vivid, gruesome detail, and his imagery is cringe-worthy at some points. This book is definitely not one you read quickly, but one that you have to go with the flow and not overanalyze. The plot plays out as it unfolds layer by layer.
I have to say I felt bad for the main character, Bronze. He is a twisted soul with an amazing heart buried deep inside. The author depicts him perfectly. He is wounded and does not want to inflict that on those he cares about.
The other characters all offer key pieces to the overall plot in subtle detail which will come together at the explosive ending.
Blood and Mascara is a stunning murder mystery full of spins and detail which keeps the reader off balance in a slow methodical method. Take time to absorb and read between the lines. It is twisty and confusing, yet an intricate story with multiple timelines and pov’s. Gory and raw. Brilliant in its own way – this one is art.
5 STARS!!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.