Snapshot

Very interesting mystery novel read with some very insightful historical touch! And it feels very personal as it is loosely based on some Lis Wiehl´s real life experience and feelings (as the authoress herself says in the concluding notes).

Lisa Waldren is successful federal prosecutor, attractive blonde in her early fifties (which I love as I like my heroines being believable professionals), single mom (widowed) of a son presently studying in England, friend of Drew who suddenly wants more than friendship...and yes, quite estranged daughter of a father, former FBI agent, who had been rarely there during Lisa´s life. But this is going to change as her father James suddenly contacts Lisa with a plead to help Leonard Dubois, who has spent the most of his life in prison and now is facing an execution in a few days - for a murder of Benjamin Gray, an Afro-American (or black in sixties) civil rights leader. Her father believes that Leonard Dubois is innocent and wants Lisa to help. She is not happy to reconnect with the father, but tries to do the right thing and promises him a stay in their hometown of Fort Worth. Upon the visit Lisa realizes that she was right there during the killing - 4 - year old white girl playing innocently with another girl, but black. While children played, the adults killed. So our detective team - Lisa, James and his surprise girlfriend, sassy, but surprisingly empathetic private investigator Rosalyn - starts with the other girl and finds Molly Carter, nowadays a pastor at the church nearby. And things start to move, both personal and detective stuff. Molly become the sister Lisa never has and she is slowly starting to realize that her father has always loved her and tried to protect her with his silence (which is obviously very complicated way to show love to somebody), just as his fellow FBI agend and friend Peter has always tried to protect James and his family, even in his disgraced times and death by suicide some years ago after Benjamin Gray killing. We also meet our villain soon (applause for that! I hate when the reader cant connect with villain and he/she is miraculously found at the last pages of the book) and he is truly scary. Nice picture of how can pride, cruelty and wrong-used money destroy one´s character, but also how can the love be the only thing possible of have an impact on even bad guy´s soul).

I loved the historical explanations - I am not American, and while my country isnt immune to racism, I have never saw the depth of racism present as I have read about of what has been going on during the sixties in the U.S. Lis Wiehl tells her story as a lady, in distinguished way - but is connects me with the historical truths even more, listening to a lady telling the truths in a classy way. Also I love that the JFK and Robert Kennedy assassinations were connected to the story, but just in a bits, and that the authoress hasn´t tried to solve the mysteries within the book. She paints the picture of the times and environment of the mysteries, which can add to understanding, but she is smart enough not to do any more. She concentrates on her own mystery story and tells is smartly, smoothly and in a fast pace.
Also thanks for letting us know more about your personal history, Lis! I was quite able to connect with Lisa and after the concluding words I have realized that it was because Lis could connect with Lisa as well! I appreciate the classy authenticity.

All in all, read the book if you want to read the smart mystery and enriching adding in historical insights!

One of my favorite books by Ms. Wiehl that is different from her usual books. I loved how fast paced it was and all of the characters in it, fiction at its finest.