Book Review of 'Shattered Triangle: A Consequential Murder '

Title: A Consequential Murder 

Series: Shattered Triangle 

Author: William Messenger

Publication Date: July 11, 2014 

Publisher: Black Rose Writing

ASIN: B00LPYQ1L2 

Pages: 288 

BOOK BLURB 

Three friends, inseparable as children, take very different paths toward adulthood. In spite of the distances that emerge among them, they are thrust together by the tragedy of death. Each affected in different ways. 

Giuseppe Lozano, a candidate for U.S. Senate, returns home one night to find his wife and three children mysteriously murdered. There seems to be no motive, and little evidence is left at the scene. How will this affect him and his run for office? 

Giovanni Lozano, a Catholic priest, is forced to look beyond the violence to find the presence of God. As a brother and uncle, he feels anger and a desire for revenge. As a priest, he is torn by the call of a God who loves all people; good and bad. Can he forgive? 

Tom Moran, a detective with the Los Angeles Police Department, is charged with finding the murderer and building a case for justice. He feels no call to forgive. Nor is he driven by ambition. This case is personal. But can he deliver? 

Three lives. Three friends. Will the bonds of friendship survive?

INTRODUCTION

'A Consequential Murder' is the first book in the series, 'Shattered Triangle'.

This novel speaks with the POV of Lt. Tom Moran, and progresses with the introduction of the protagonists of the series, twin brothers Giovanni and Giuseppe Lozano, and Tom himself. The beginning chapters, though lengthy, are an integral part of the successful series, to know the characters and how their actions are stemmed from their childhood and adolescence. The conversations provide an insight on how the characters develop and grow their personalities, which later affects each one of them, with a consequence. 

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY

William Messenger's dexterity with words begins the adventure, or rather, paths, towards a murder trilogy, one without any reliable evidence, and, eerily, without any motive.

The blurb of 'Shattered Triangle: A Consequential Murder', itself was enough to hook me right in the book. I was certainly expecting a lot from this read, and am glad to say that I had a fulfilling time, and the end left me speechless. It was very unexpected and made me want to read the whole book again, just to understand how and why the plot twisted in such a manner. 

THE BARE-BONES

'A Consequential Murder' is an uncommon and unique book with complex characters and plots. 

After detailed introductions of the three protagonists, the plot turns sinister, when Giuseppe Lozano's wife and three innocent children are killed, without any mercy. Giuseppe is dazed, Giovanni is devastated, and Tom is stunned. 

Tom Moran is determined to punish the cruel murderer and takes up the charge of solving the tough case. There is, but one evidence, which may not be so reliable in finding the murderer, but is a step forward nonetheless. 

The words make readers keep going and try to figure out the horrific murder tragedy. 

THE CHARACTERS

Lt. Tom Moran, at the very start of the story, is a rogue cop but is a determined person, and with a brilliant outlook.

Fr. Giovanni Lozano, is a Catholic priest, whose faith never wavers, and has an insightful set of principles that he follows.

Giuseppe Lozano, a successful businessman, is a candidate for the U.S. Senate, who is driven by ambition and is one of the people who always think of the 'big picture'.  

Giovanni and Giuseppe Lozano are identical twin brothers, but have very different personalities, as is reflected in the further story. Tom Moran is their childhood friend, and they are inseparable as children.

The characters are engaging, and I especially like that the situation depicted, and the characters as well, are true to the present circumstances of the world.

THE SETTING

'A Consequential Murder' takes place in Los Angles, California. The book deals with a lot of the history of the city and is quite informative about it. I personally am intrigued about the city, due to the descriptive words about Los Angles. Tom Moran was a local resident of the city, while Giovanni and Giuseppe Lozano moved into the neighborhood in 1960. The setting has contributed a lot to the story, and it speaks of the beginning of the friendship of a triangle, its three vertices being Tom, Giovanni and Giuseppe.

The question is, will the triangle remain to enact? Or will it 'shatter'? And to know the reason for my queer question, reading the book is the key!

MY FAVORITE LINE 

In the end, it was only a friendship. Except it wasn't.

5/5 Stars

Great if you enjoy: murder mysteries, complex plots, murder trilogy

Not great if you're looking for: simple reads, non-kill mysteries, quick reads.

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Thank you to the author, William Messenger, for a paperback review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.