A Blossom of Bright Light
by Suzanne Chazin
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Pub Date Oct 27 2015 | Archive Date Oct 31 2015
Kensington Books | Kensington
Description
In award-winning author Suzanne Chazin’s stirring new novel, Latino police detective Jimmy Vega must strike a precarious balance between the local immigrant community and his hometown’s most powerful and privileged citizens during a dangerous murder investigation...
A split-second decision thrusts Detective Jimmy Vega into the epicenter of a disturbing case when a body is found near a gathering place for immigrants in upscale Lake Holly, NY. The cold-bloodedness of the crime and the innocence of the victim torment Vega.
In a community gripped by fear of deportation, Vega needs the help of his girlfriend, activist Adele Figueroa, to gain people’s trust. But Adele is acting strangely, consumed by a secret that threatens to tear them apart. When the case takes a personal turn, both Vega and Adele discover that Lake Holly’s tranquil façade hides a terror of monstrous proportions, poised and ready to strike again. To confront the killer and save their relationship, Vega and Adele must forge a new level of trust—in each other, and in their most deeply held beliefs—to expose an evil that threatens to eclipse anything they’d previously imagined.
Written with equal parts passion and suspense, A Blossom of Bright Light takes readers on a journey of stunning revelations to uncover a small town’s most sinister secrets—and brightest hopes for the future. Mystery, sacrifice, and unremitting love converge in this gripping work by a master storyteller.
A Note From the Publisher
Enter to win a Book Club Prize Pack: http://kensingtonbooks.tumblr.com/blossom
Advance Praise
Praise for A BLOSSOM OF BRIGHT LIGHT
“Chazin’s latest again deftly weaves some difficult and topical subjects into a police procedural.”– Kirkus Reviews
“Well-paced…Fascinating, multidimensional lead characters.” – Publishers Weekly
“Chazin’s second entry in the Jimmy Vega Mystery series is as amazing as her first. Once again she tells a gripping story in a way that ensures that powerful topics such as race and hatred are still handled delicately. It makes an impactful statement about the underlying racism that can afflict any community – and how that can sometimes lead to unexpected tragedies.”– RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars Top Pick
“From the first riveting pages A Blossom of Bright Light
grabs you and won’t let go. In Jimmy Vega, Chazin has conjured a
realistic character with depth, strengths, and weaknesses the reader can
believe and celebrate.”
-- Terry Shames, author of A Deadly Affair at Bobtail Ridge, Seventh Street Books April 2015; Macavity Award winner for Best First Novel of 2014 for A Killing at Cotton Hill
“Suzanne
Chazin’s masterly woven mystery takes us into the world of undocumented
parents and children who are vulnerable to every sort of exploitation.
Jimmy Vega is the cop who must balance love, justice, and his own
heartbreaking background. This is a literary mystery at its finest,
captivating, smart, romantic, and impossible to put down. “
--Jacqueline Sheehan, New York Times bestselling author of The Center of the World
“The
most difficult jobs in our society require a fine balance of empathy
and emotional distance. In Suzanne Chazin’s new novel, a detective and
his activist girlfriend struggle to maintain order in a beleaguered
community threatened by an inconceivable horror. It is their efforts to
hang on to their humanity—and each other—that make A BLOSSOM OF BRIGHT
LIGHT unforgettable. This timely novel sets a taut mystery against a
compelling exploration of innocence, obligation, and the redeeming power
of love.”
--Sophie Littlefield, Anthony Award-winning author of The Guilty One
“Suzanne Chazin’s A Blossom of Bright Light is
terrific, a compulsively readable police procedural that builds to the
pace of a thriller with an explosive ending. Entertaining and much more
with characters who resonate as people and a story that explores complex
issues played out on a human scale.”
— Hallie Ephron, New York Times bestselling author of Night Night, Sleep Tight
"LAND
OF CAREFUL SHADOWS is that rare crime novel that gets the reader caught
up in the lives of beautifully-drawn characters and also in the larger
social issues that tangle the characters' lives. Add to those strengths
a fast pace and the author's gift for the telling image and you've got a
winner.”
-- S. J. Rozan, author of GHOST HERO
"This
is everything a great suspense novel should be - but it hits the
heart, too, not just the pulse, with people you come to care about.
First rate and highly recommended."
--Lee Child
“What
a wonderful read! Suzanne Chazin has crafted a tantalizing, keenly
moving and nuanced look at the little-understood immigrant community,
particularly the undocumented. Suspenseful, involving, Land of Careful Shadows is peopled with colorful, engaging characters. A memorable mystery, this fine novel will also touch your heart.”
- Julia Spencer-Fleming, NYT & USA Today bestselling author of THROUGH THE EVIL DAYS
"Suzanne
Chazin weaves an intriguing story readers won't want to put down.
Through her ensemble of memorable characters, she takes us into a place
where we are confronted with hard truths and heartbreaking realities. "
--Reyna Grande, author of The Distance Between Us (a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle award)
"Taut, suspenseful, and multi-layered, Suzanne Chazin's Land of Careful Shadows is
a finely wrought mystery that exposes the dark underbelly of
undocumented workers in the United States and the multiple indignities
and dangers they face every day. Detective Jimmy Vega does his best to
walk the line between being a good cop and a compassionate soul, his own
background giving him insights into the population of Lake Holly, New
York, that other officers don't--and don't want to--have. Just when you
think you know where this powerful story is going, it takes another,
unexpected turn, bringing a conclusion that left me stunned."
--Maggie Barbieri, author of Once Upon a Lie (Minotaur hardcover)
“This
timely and engrossing series opener from Chazin introduces… the
engaging, psychologically complex Vega [who] must confront unwelcome
aspects of his past as his investigation builds to a shocking
conclusion.”
– Publishers Weekly
“Chazin’s
novel is one of the most genuinely phenomenal examples of storytelling.
Full of twists and turns, the narrative leaves readers guessing, but it
also does a brilliant job getting them invested in the characters. The
reader truly cares for them and wants them all to avoid any kind of
danger. In addition to that, the novel also makes an affecting statement
about hatred and racism in a small town, and how the race lines drawn
in these settings can sometimes rip an entire population to pieces. It’s
a powerful read.”
– RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars Top Pick
“The intricate plot and the important social issues combine in this strong debut of a promising series.”
– Booklist
- The Latina Book Club
“It’s been a while since I stopped on sentences, allowing the beauty of the words and the wisdom of the writer to envelop me. Suzanne Chazin that rare writer. She has written an excellent mystery in Land of Careful Shadows. As with all well-done mysteries, the loose ends tie up and there’s a twist that should catch readers off-guard. But the best part of this book is that Chazin has brought to life, in very rich hues, people who so often go unnoticed. You will be rooting for them and the prose from this uncommonly talented writer.”
--Jersey.com
“Chazin’s respect for the courage and quiet determination of the immigrant community comes through in a nuanced story about race, class, and belonging. Chazin delves into different perspectives, movingly showing both sides to a story. A good choice for mystery book clubs.” --Library Journal
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781617736353 |
| PRICE | $25.00 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Barbara T, Reviewer
What a book! It kept me reading until 3 am last night.
I don't want to reveal to much of the very well and life-like crafted story. I just can tell, that when you guess who is involved in the crime things get even worse. The suspense is climbing up to an incredible level when Vega and Adele try so save the possible next victim.
Susanne Chazin doesn't only tell a gripping crime mystery, she shows us the difficulties we face in relationships, the hardships of being an undocumented immigrant, life within the hispanic communities, the manipulation and favoritism in politics, the effects of guilt.
The characters are multidimensional and it's easy to connect with them.
I recommend this book to readers who want gripping suspense with social-political-psychological background and believable characters.
I will look now for the first book of the series.
I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington books for the provided ARC.
Reviewer 117626
Continuing the exploits first introduced in Land of Careful Shadows, Jimmy Vega, who grew up in the Bronx, is no stranger to tough times and violence. He's a New York cop now dealing with a disturbing case. A newborn has been found dead in the woods behind a Community Center, umbilical cord still attached, and there is no sign of the mother. The baby is referred to as Baby Mercy until a more suitable name can be found.
Meanwhile, Jimmy's life is complicating and the life of the city is continuing. Jimmy's girlfriend is being offered a job in D.C... An illegal immigrant who has been in the U.S. for 14 years, working and raising his 3 motherless children, is scheduled for deportation. A lawyer with a great reputation and a thriving legal practice may be involved in child porn. A routine visit to an elderly lady to obtain information results in an unexpected arrest. Jimmy's daughter, Joy, donated some items to Goodwill, which have now been found at the scene of a crime.
Oh, my.
Well-written and full of surprises, this is a mystery worth reading.
Terry H, Reviewer
A Blossom of Bright Light, by Suzanne Chazin is one of those books that keeps you turning the page to find out what happens next. The story opens with a newborn being found in the woods behind a community center. The only witness is a homeless drunk. He tells a worker at the community center that he saw the Lady of Sorrows holding the baby in the woods.
Jimmy Vega is one of the detectives working the case. He is romantically involved with the community center’s administrator, Adele Figueroa. Adele is a Harvard educated lawyer who tries to help the undocumented hispanics in this community.
While trying to find out who left a newborn baby out in the woods on a cold October night Jimmy is thrown into the tight lipped hispanic community that fears sharing any information with the police because it might lead to their own deportation.
The investigation takes a nasty turn when his own daughter’s clothing is found covered with blood from the baby’s mother.
There are very influential people in the hispanic community that are hiding their own dirty little secrets. The story has it all. Mystery, suspense, and love.
If you love thrilling mysteries, this is the book for you.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this novel. I enjoy telling others when I come across a book that I loved reading. I hope others will give it a try.
Librarian 180293
Well done mystery. I will be looking for other books in this series.
Barbara H, Reviewer
Barb Heck's review Aug 20, 15 · edit
4 of 5 stars Read in August, 2015
My first introduction to Jimmy Vega, but I'll be sure to look for the next episode and head back to read book one in the series! This is not one of those "grab you by the throat on the first page" stories, but rather is a slow, continuous burn until the suspense blows into full flame. The reader is looking over Vega's shoulder as he discovers one piece of the puzzle at a time. He pulls the seemingly disconnected threads together to create the solution to the mysterious death of the infant that is at the heart of the story. Layer upon layer of topical themes fall away and reveal the ultimate horror beneath. Great read!
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley.com for allowing me the privilege of this ARC.
Jen R, Reviewer
A Blossom of Bright Light. By Suzanne Chazin, is the second novel in her Jimmy Vega mystery series. The series is set in upscale Holly Lake, NY. Bronx native Detective Jimmy Vega is thrown into an investigation of heinous proportions when the bodies of a young mother and her infant are found in separate locations. Was this what the alcoholic vagrant Zambo was trying to tell Jimmy's girlfriend, Adele Figueroa, the night before Zambo went missing?
There are dark secrets buried deep within the walls of the elite Holly Lake neighborhoods, secrets whose tentacles may reach as far as D.C. When another young girl appears to be in the crosshairs of evil and Vega's daughter has been implicated in the crimes, Jimmy must go against orders to stand down from the investigation in order to blow open the case.
Ms. Chazin's experiences working with undocumented people and the stories she gathered led her to the development of the Jimmy Vega mysteries. She brIngs in serious topics including abuse, physical, sexual, and emotional. She also demonstrates the hopelessness that can occur in those seeking the "dream".
Written with beautifully crafted literary flow, A Blossom of Bright Light, will take you on a wild ride to solve the initial deaths and prevent even more. It is a real page turner that engrosses the reader to the very end. I highly recommend this book
Terre S, Librarian
great read! spotlights a faction of our socirety that is not often talked about
C L J, Reviewer
This book deals with social and political issues we all face today, illegal immigrants and those who prey on them due to their fears and the corruption of those in politics. Jimmy Vega is a tough New York cop until he has to deal with a case involving a newborn baby found dead in the woods behind a Community Center with the umbilical cord still attached. He and his girlfriend had been together earlier in the evening when she received a call after a drunk goes into the Community Center and said he has seen the Virgin Mary with a baby. Jimmy does not believe that it is a credible story until he receives a call later calling him out to the Community Center to investigate the baby found behind it. The story has a few sub plots and thru it all Jimmy Vega tries to navigate his life. Great Read. I would like to thank the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
Jennyfer D, Bookseller
Detective Jimmy Vega is called to investigate a brutal murder involving immigrants in the community. Vega's girlfriend Adele, an activist, tries to help but something is going on with her. Suspense, mystery and a great story!
Janet R, Reviewer
Oh, so good, well-plotted, solid mystery. It had my attention right from the beginning. This powerhouse of a novel deals with sensitive issues and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Make sure you clear your calendar for this one.
Steven Z, Book Trade Professional
Read it in one day. Great read and a very good mystery.
Melodie L, Reviewer
A Blossom of Bright Light is a well written crime drama that evolves into a taut thriller by the book's end. The plot is intricately woven, a thread at a time, as different plotlines converge and become one.
The book has strong social and cultural themes as it explores and illuminates both the plights of undocumented immigrants and the control the powerful hold over others, especially the impoverished and women.
This isn't the type of book I would normally read, so the strong review says a lot about how much I admired it. I strongly recommend it to those who enjoy crime fiction.
Diana Z, Reviewer
Good, plausible story, strong character development & well presented. This book also gives one the opportunity to see a glimpse of life in the US as an immigrant. I would read more from this author.
TERRI C, Reviewer
"A Blossom of Bright Light: A Jimmy Vega Novel" by Suzanne Chazin is the first work I've read by this author. The book was a page turner for me. Chazin introduced three different plots, and wove them together in twists and turns that I didn't foresee. By the end of the story, I cared about Jimmy Vega and Adele Figueroa as though I'd made two new friends. Chazin kept me interested and guessing, and in the end tied up all loose ends. I look forward to reading more of her books, and spending more time with Jimmy and Adele.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kim P, Educator
Well done- an intelligent, thought provoking mystery with many layers and details that bring all the pieces together. Vega starts out in trouble and it seems to follow him throughout as he tries to unravel the mystery that is set before him. Guilt, murder, sexual abuse, and a timely look at immigration, round this experience into a gripping, twisted tale. I enjoyed 'A Blossom of Bright Light' for its gripping details, theme and realistic characters, and definitely recommend it for your shelf!
Philip B, Reviewer
During present times and the hot button issues of immigrants to the USA from countries south of Texas comes this story of the struggles of immigrants. Focusing on their hardships and constant fear of deportation, their fear of law enforcement, and elements of treachery from those who would take advantage of their fears, bribing them with threats of harm. If the reader allows it to be absorbed as a story without injecting any thoughts of right or wrong, send them back or let them stay, it is an excellent tale. Throw in the elements of romance, corruption, struggle for survival and law enforcement on the trail of a murderer and it reads as an excellent crime mystery penned by a very creative author having excellent writing skills.
Darcia H, Reviewer
Sometimes a story is just a story. Other times, as with this book, it's an all-encompassing experience.
Let's start with the writing, which is, I think flawless. There is no sign of intrusion from the author. We are whisked away by the characters and brought to their world. We're like voyeurs in their lives, only better, because we can feel it as well as see it.
That brings us to the characters. They are... I was going to type 'realistic', but that's not right. They are simply - real. They could have popped off the pages and stood in front of me.
The plot is complex, intertwined, heartbreaking, and honest. This is a mystery, yes, but it's also literary and social commentary, and I mean that in the most complimentary way. The author's handling of Hispanic culture and immigration issues is pure magic. She reminds us, without ever interfering or forcing the plot, that immigration is not just a political soundbite. When we allow it to be about the politics, instead of the people, we lose a bit of our humanity.
When I picked this book to read, I didn't realize it was the second in a series. I had absolutely no problem connecting to or understanding the characters, so this works exceptionally well as a stand-alone.
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