Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers | Sci Fi & Fantasy
Severn House
Nov 07 2023
1/5
Netgalley
There's a saying in Barstow, California, a decaying city in the scorching Mojave desert . . .
The Interstate here only goes in one direction: Away.
But it's the only place where ex-LAPD detective Beth McDade, after a staggering fall from grace, could get another badge . . . and a shot at redemption.
Over a century ago, and just a few miles further into the bleak landscape, a desperate stranger ended up in Calico, a struggling mining town, also hoping for a second chance.
His fate, all those years ago, and hers today are linked when Beth investigates an old skeleton dug up in a shallow, sandy grave . . . and also tries to identify a vagrant run-over by a distracted motorhome driver during a lightning storm.
Every disturbing clue she finds, every shocking discovery she makes, force Beth to confront her own troubled past . . . and a past that's not her own . . . until it all smashes together in a revelation that could change the world.
A Quirky Cat and a Detective’s Dilemma: Exploring “Calico” by Lee Goldberg Lee Goldberg, known for his witty and fast-paced crime novels, takes us on a delightful journey in “Calico.” It’s not your typical detective story, though.
Instead of a hardened cop, we meet “Calico” Jack, a lovable, if slightly eccentric, feline who becomes entangled in a case that’s as puzzling as it is hilarious. Imagine, if you will, a cat who’s as much a crime solver as he is a purring cuddle bug. Jack, a calico with a keen eye for detail and an insatiable curiosity, is the unlikely hero of Goldberg’s novel. He stumbles upon a murder scene, his nose twitching with a mix of curiosity and feline instincts.
This discovery sets in motion a series of hilarious and unpredictable events as Jack teams up with a human detective named Max, a somewhat grumpy but ultimately good-hearted man who’s just trying to do his job. Goldberg’s writing is as clever as Jack himself. He seamlessly blends humor and suspense, creating a story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.We see the world through Jack’s perceptive eyes, a world full of hidden clues and quirky characters. Max, initially skeptical of his furry partner, gradually learns to trust Jack’s intuition. Together, they unravel a web of secrets and deceit, facing off against a cunning killer who’s more than a match for the average human detective. “Calico” isn’t just a fun read; it’s a reminder that even the most unexpected heroes can rise to the occasion.
It’s a story about friendship, trust, and the importance of looking beyond appearances. If you’re looking for a light-hearted yet clever mystery with a unique twist, “Calico” is definitely worth a read. Just be prepared to have your heart warmed by a cat who’s much smarter than he looks and a human detective who learns that sometimes the best partner in crime-solving is a purring, paw-tapping calico named Jack.
