Happy Monday everyone! Well…most people do not enjoy Mondays but today is nice because I am a part of a blog tour for TheWriteReads! I chose to review the book because I have not read a thriller or mystery in quite some time. This was something that I was really looking forward to. I will admit, I had no idea this was a part of a mystery series!
Today I am reviewing Before the Storm by Jack Byrne. This is a thriller that really pulls you in from the start
Book 3 – The Liverpool Mystery Series
Before the Storm (Book 3 – The Liverpool Mystery Series)
Author: Jack Byrne
Published: May 2023
Book Length: 314 Pages
Genre: Historical Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
Buy the book: Amazon
YOUTHFUL PROMISES SHAPE LETHAL OUTCOMES
Historian Vinny Connolly tries to escape the bitter memories of his childhood in a tough neighbourhood. But a secret from the past, involving a pocket watch, an old man’s death, and childhood friends, threatens to unravel his present.
When one of those friends, Sammo, dies in mysterious circumstances, Vinny, his wife Helen, and his ex-partner Anne McCarthy race against time to uncover the truth.
A hit and run incident, text messages, and a murdered pet, all warn Vinny away from the investigation. A series of letters hold the key to Sammo’s life, and the secret to unlock the mystery of his death. Facing unexpected obstacles and police opposition Anne tries to overcome an accidental death verdict.
Set against the backdrop of a post-Brexit UK, this is a gripping tale of immigration, friendship, the power of secrets to shape our lives, and the value of resistance to authority.
I did not know this was a part of a series but I will now be reading the other books written by Jack. The writing style pulls you in right away and you are swept into both the past and present in the life of Vinny. The transitions between past and present were smooth and labeled with dates at the top left of the page so the reader is clear about which time period they are reading about. The story unfolded so easily in front of you and the characters are well developed, causing the reader to develop empathy for them and their situation as the book progresses. That being said, there are some unsavory characters as well and I disliked them from the start based on the descriptions given and things they did in the past.
I found myself turning page after page, reaching for more. This story was paced very well and I craved more and pushed through the book quickly. The author did a fantastic job with world building and as I read I really began to feel what life was like in Liverpool at that time. The change in times, shows how politics and other points of view change over time yet some can face the same struggles though time.
The book was really enjoyable it does begin right from the start with a gloomish feeling, a sense of doom. Some events are easily predicted but the writing makes you want to continue reading to make sure your gut feeling is correct.
Overall, this was a really entertaining read and I enjoyed it very much. I will be looking into other works by this author. If you are looking for something that will pull you into the story and offer relatable characters with a sense of doom from the start…a story with predictability but enjoy-ability all the same, give this one a try.
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