Left Turn at Paradise: A Rare Book Mystery

The author of The Dirty Book Murder returns to the surprisingly lethal world of rare books with a second enthralling novel featuring a most unlikely hero—antiquarian bookseller Michael Bevan.
  • ISBN9780804179287
  • Price2.99
  • CurrencyUSD
  • EditionOther Format
Michael Bevan is barely scraping by with his used bookstore and rare book collection when he discovers a timeworn journal that may change everything. Dating back to 1768, the tattered diary appears to be a chronicle kept during the first of legendary seafarer Captain James Cook’s three epic voyages through the Pacific islands. If it’s as valuable as Mike thinks it is, its sale may just bring enough to keep his faltering used bookstore afloat for another year.

Then he meets a pair of London dealers with startling news: Adrian Hart and Penelope Wilkes claim to possess the journal of Cook’s second voyage. Is it possible a third diary exists? One which might detail Cook’s explosive final voyage—and his death at the hands of native Hawaiians? Together, all three would be the holy grail of Pacific exploration. But before Mike can act, the two journals are stolen.

Chasing them down will sweep Michael, Adrian, and Penelope across the globe—past a dead body or two—and into a very sinister slice of paradise. High in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, in a remote and secretive Maori compound, a secret rests in the hands in of a man daring enough to rewrite history . . . and desperate enough to kill.

My Impressions: 

This is the first novel by Thomas Shawyer that I have read and the second book in the Antiquarian Book Mystery series. Though this book is second in a series, but stands perfectly on its own.  I found this book to be a wonderful little mystery that was quick paced and delivered an enormous punch.  I got to catch up on some history and learn some interesting tidbits on the Maori Beliefs and Culture, especially war tactics which were a gem to discover. 

This book follows along Captain James Cooks voyages. Michael Bevan and Josie Majansik meet up again this time to solve a mystery of the 3rd voyage of Captain Cook. Josie has the second personal journal of Cook’s second voyage and Michael has the journal of the first voyage.  Between the two of them they take part of a wonderful adventure in search of the 3rd journal that they know must exist.
This book has romance, mystery, crime, action, twists and turns and intrigue in abundance that made it very enjoyable and an easy book to recommend to those who love a little intrigue in their lives.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this novel through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
 

Comments