The Redeemer by Victoria Goldman - #BookReveiw

 

She scurries across the rain-drenched grass. Stone missiles bounce off her shiny black boots, spattering mud on her burgundy coat. One hits the side of her head, knocking her grey beret askew.

I shift on the wooden bench under the sycamore trees and lean forwards, Willing someone, anyone, to help her.

Anyone but me.

"Pig. Ham. Bacon butty," yell the two youths behind her. Whipping up the grass with their trainers, they close in on her like two wolves targeting their prey.

***

After witnessing a racist incident in a small Hertfordshire town, journalist Shanna Regan uncovers a series of threatening fake commemorative plaques. Each plaque highlights someone's misdemeanour rather than a good deed.

Delving deeper, Shanna discovers these plaques are linked to vigilante killings spanning several decades, with ties to the local Jewish community.

As her search for the truth becomes personal, Shanna puts her own life in danger. Can she stop the next murder in time?

The Redeemer is a compelling, thought-provoking murder mystery debut, featuring themes of prejudice, identity and heritage, revenge and redemption, and secrets from the past.

***

I enjoyed this very much and was delighted to be introduced to the journalist, Shanna Regan. It is a debut novel which has depth and meaning and I lapped up every word.

At the heart of this fabulous story is a murder mystery which twists and turns throughout the entire novel. It is a 'who done it' in essence and I did not anticipate who the culprit was prior to the exciting reveal.

There are some serious themes threaded throughout the book. It explores the human need for justice, identity and belonging. It does not shy away from the subject of antisemitism and tackles it head on.

It is set in a small town in Hertfordshire amongst a thriving Jewish community. It was the perfect backdrop for the author to explore the culture, traditions and beliefs of the community, and she does so with realism and empathy.

Shanna was an excellent character. She is well portrayed, as are the secondary characters, and everyone was realistic and believable.

It has been well written and appropriately paced. I highly recommend this novel. In Ms. Goldman we have a new voice in crime fiction and I very much hope that it will not be long before we are able to read more of Shanna Regan.

ISBN: 978 1739695415

Publisher: Three Crowns Publishing UK

Formats: e-book and paperback

No. of Pages: 336 (paperback)

About the Author:

VICTORIA GOLDMAN is a freelance journalist, editor and proofreader. She was given an honourable mention for The Redeemer in the Capital Crime/DHH Literary Agency New Voices Award 2019.

Victoria lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and two sons. The Redeemer is her first novel.

(Thank you to the author for the advanced PDF of the book)