Between The Lines

Author: R. M. Clark

Published: September 2013 by Writers AMuse Me

Category: Mystery/Suspense

'A list of names, an old map, and a drawing of a Native American warrior named Komaket: These are the items professional student, Dennis Kozma, receives on his twenty-fifth birthday. They are gifts from his father, who died fifteen years earlier. Unfortunately, Dennis’ memory is tainted by accusations that his father defrauded their town before his death. The map leads Dennis to the graves of the men on the list… members of a secret society awaiting the return of Komaket. While unravelling the mystery of this society, Dennis discovers a shocking conspiracy: town officials covered up a dark secret and framed his father. As he strives to clear his father’s name, before the long-awaited arrival of Komaket changes his quiet New England town forever, Dennis comes to two startling and fateful realizations — nothing is what is seems, and all clues lead to… The Center Point.'

 

I received a copy of the book in return for an honest review.

Even though he’s been dead for fifteen years, Dennis Kozma’s father comes back into his life in the form of some papers he’s left for his son to open on his twenty-fifth birthday. Along with his best friends, Tom and Jed, and his Uncle Russell, Dennis sets out to uncover the mystery of the Native American legend, Komaket, and to clear his father’s name of embezzlement charges.

'Gene pulled out a package and placed it on the table. It was a leather satchel with string wrapped round it in both directions. “I promised your father I would personally hand this to you on your twenty-fifth birthday.” He looked at his watch. “What do you know? I made it with a few hours to spare.”

I took a small knife from my pocket and sliced off the string binding the package. I flipped open the top and pulled out two manilla folders. They smelled like my father’s cologne – God, I missed that scent.'

 

It was intriguing to follow the mystery from Dennis’ point of view, how the clues were worked through, where they lead and the discoveries made along the way. The ever evolving drawing was especially compelling and curious. Legends and folklore are fascinating topics and although the ones mentioned in the story are fictional they are written in such a way as to have an authentic feel, tying in with the history of the town and it’s founding fathers.

The conspiracy and lore Dennis uncovers lead him ever deeper into the complexity of the mystery. What is it that links his father to a Native American legend and a battle from the Revolutionary war? Strange things start to make sense and as the threads of the puzzle are woven together an underlying darkness threatens. The conclusion is unexpected and dramatic, thank goodness for Uncle Russell….and Komaket. I’m sorry Melody and Dr Overmann didn’t get their comeuppance though.

I like that it was also a journey of discovery for Dennis, giving him the incentive he needs to kick-start his own life. He’s an engaging character but, at twenty-five, one that needs to grow up. He’s coasted along as a student and now needs to become part of the real world.

A very enjoyable read.