Book Review: Slay the Dragon, A Joi Sommers Mystery
Slay the Dragon, A Joi Sommers Mystery. Susan D. Peters, Sunrise Consulting, September 3, 2021, Paperback and eBook, 313 pages.
Review by Opal Freeman.
Slay the Dragon: A Joi Sommers Mystery is an action-packed mystery captivating the reader from the first paragraph to the last sentence of the final chapter. Author Susan D. Peters strategically crafts every chapter to keep the reader interested, engaged, and positioned to anticipate whatever will come next. I appreciated the flow and mystery of the book, which persuaded me to continue to read.
The plot includes the collaboration of Detective Joi Sommers and her partner Detective Russell Wilkerson to solve the frightful case of the death of an eleven-year-old girl as a result of strangulation. The combined experience between them enhances their commitment to do whatever is necessary to solve the crime. Although their biggest challenge is to put aside the emotions they feel about who would kill a child, the investigation continues with determination and ultimate strength to solve the case and ultimately put the person responsible in jail.
Detectives Sommers and Wilkerson lead the investigation with the assistance of their colleagues and other detectives at the South Holland Police Department. Their approach to solving the case is to question and research every detail presented to them to ensure they do not overlook any information pertinent to the case. Reviewing and rereading every bit of evidence is critical to their success. Examining the murder board and photos related to the case causes some tension and nervousness, but their dedication does not prevent them from moving forward. There is also an extra effort to consistently work professionally to avoid personal feelings and family circumstances interfering with what they need to do to accomplish their goal. Although they have a personal and professional relationship, they make sure to support each other in every way possible.
The characters, their emotions, various locations, events, and the weather are well-developed in this novel. Susan writes with the intent of leaving the reader engaged. Detailed descriptions of the murder scene and the different locations where the suspects are questioned make you feel you are right there with the detectives. The author makes a point of writing with such great detail that the reader feels like a silent partner in the ongoing investigation.
My overall impression and experience reading the book was great. I really enjoyed learning the ins and outs of critical police work as it relates to solving crimes. I’d also like to acknowledge that the book revealed information about sex-trafficking pedophiles and predators, which is relevant to the current times. Becoming more educated in these areas was a definite plus. I recommend this book to other readers who enjoy mysteries.