Tempted by Trouble by Eric Jerome Dickey
By Beverly Jackson • Oct 25th, 2010 • Category: Book Review 2010 •
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In Tempted by Trouble by Eric Jerome Dickey, Dmytryk Knight and his wife, Cora, have done everything by the book to live out the American dream and life was golden for them until the auto industry tanks, and they both find themselves unemployed. Still, wanting to live the golden life, the couple gets creative with their skills and do what is necessary to try to hold the creditors at bay. But, this has a negative effect on the couple’s relationship and Cora, who becomes wary of the efforts needed to just hold on, tells Dmytryk to “man up” to an opportunity to make fast money. So, for the love of his wife, Dmytryk decides to meet with Eddie Coyle to better understand the opportunity and realizes he was in without an out, once Cora mentioned him to Eddie. Well, now Cora is gone without a trace and Dymtryk needs just enough money to get his life back on the right track and find Cora. But, the best plans always need a backup and with the twisted turn of events, Dymtryk will either need several backup plans or does he really have everything under control?
I enjoyed this fast-paced thriller and from page one the story unfurls like watching a classic 1950′s style Hollywood crime film. All of the characteristics of a mystery noir was present; tough, cynical characters with self-destructive tendencies, female characters of questionable virtue, betrayals and double-crosses, use of sex and jealousy to advance the plot, and a pessimistic tone to an already bleak story.
Tempted by Trouble has all of the elements fans of Eric Jerome Dickey have come to expect in his stories. The excellent voice of the narrator, Dymtryk, reveals just enough for me to understand his thoughts but yet not too much so the twists and turns of the story kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed the secondary characters, and using Eddie Coyle for the name of the head boss of the crime team will have mystery film lovers chuckling. Lastly, there is the well-crafted language and excellent locale description.
I recommend this book to readers of mystery noir novels and fans of Eric Jerome Dickey who enjoy following his writing journey.
This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.
Reviewed by Beverly
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Beverly Jackson is is a recent transplant to the Charlotte, North Carolina area. She is an avid reader, and there are very few times you will catch her without a book. Several years ago, she changed her dining room into a library with wall to ceiling bookshelves. She loves sharing her enthusiasm for reading with others and writing book reviews is a way she shares her thoughts. For the last twenty years, she has worked in the technology field for an international consulting firm, but is easing her way into retirement. Her biggest accomplishment is raising two daughters to be productive citizens of society, and they have blessed her with five wonderful grandchildren. Some of her other interest are traveling, watching sports and practicing yoga. And her latest toy is her Kindle which allows her to carry around her library in her purse.
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I have this book at home. I got it from Black Expressions book club. You did a great review on this book and I can’t wait to read it!
Cheryl Francis´s last [type] ..Mailbox Monday October 25
I just read this book. It was excellent! Good review.