Not Death in Paradise but a good mystery

Murder in Montego Bay

By Paula Lennon

Jacaranda Books

Mystery & Thrillers

Pub Date 15 Aug 2017

Review

Don't go into Death in Montego Bay expecting Death in Paradise. Yes there is a Glasgow detective seconded to the Jamaican force, working with Preddy’s group - but he isn't the lead and this isn't a light mystery/fish out of water scenario. The Jamaica portrayed by Lennon is varied and realistic. The extremes of wealth and poverty are very clear. What also becomes quickly apparent is how little the wealthy think of those “below” them. If there is one take home message it is that wealth makes people think they are better than everyone else and that there is never enough money to satisfy the rich.

Carter and Lester Chin-Ellis are brothers that have everything. The family business, Chinchillerz, has placed the Chin-Ellis's amongst the Jamaica aristocracy of wealth. When Carter is murdered in front of the family home, Preddy and his team are given the case. The extreme wealth of the family allows them to put pressure on the detectives while impeding their investigation. Carter’s brother, Lester, is particularly belligerent. At the same time, police officials do not want Preddy to embarrass or inconvenience the family.

4 / 5

I received a copy of Murder in Montego Bay from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

--Crittermom

Description

A detective story set in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Features a tense partnership between Praddy, born and raised in Jamaica, and Harris, a white detective straight from Glasgow. Heavy use of patois, in an Irvine Welsh style.

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