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Jimmy Vega Mystery #1
Land of Careful Shadows
"A tremendous talent."--Lee Child
From award-winning author Suzanne Chazin comes a powerful novel of passion, bigotry, and murderous secrets in a homicide detective's picturesque hometown…
A body is found in a reservoir fifty miles north of New York City. The victim is young, female and Hispanic. In her purse, the police find a photograph of a baby they believe is her daughter--a little girl they can't identify. Or find. Where is the child? Is she still alive? And what is the meaning behind the disturbing note in the woman's bag? "Go back to your country. You don't belong here."
Arriving at the scene is homicide detective Jimmy Vega, who spent the better part of his childhood in the area and still carries the scars. A Latino himself, Vega knows all too well how hard it can be for an outsider to fit into a close-knit place like Lake Holly. Even now, as a respected officer of the law, he has to watch his step in an investigation simmering with ethnic animosities and steeped in local gossip. Both challenged and intrigued by Adele Figueroa--a passionate defender of immigrants' rights who reminds him uncomfortably of his own family's struggles--Vega must rethink everything he believes to uncover long-buried truths about his community, his loved ones . . . and himself.
Filled with drama, mystery and raw emotions, Land of Careful Shadows shines a nuanced and timely light on a small town's darkest secrets and deepest obsessions. It is not only a tour de force of literary suspense, but an intimate journey into the human heart.
From award-winning author Suzanne Chazin comes a powerful novel of passion, bigotry, and murderous secrets in a homicide detective's picturesque hometown…
A body is found in a reservoir fifty miles north of New York City. The victim is young, female and Hispanic. In her purse, the police find a photograph of a baby they believe is her daughter--a little girl they can't identify. Or find. Where is the child? Is she still alive? And what is the meaning behind the disturbing note in the woman's bag? "Go back to your country. You don't belong here."
Arriving at the scene is homicide detective Jimmy Vega, who spent the better part of his childhood in the area and still carries the scars. A Latino himself, Vega knows all too well how hard it can be for an outsider to fit into a close-knit place like Lake Holly. Even now, as a respected officer of the law, he has to watch his step in an investigation simmering with ethnic animosities and steeped in local gossip. Both challenged and intrigued by Adele Figueroa--a passionate defender of immigrants' rights who reminds him uncomfortably of his own family's struggles--Vega must rethink everything he believes to uncover long-buried truths about his community, his loved ones . . . and himself.
Filled with drama, mystery and raw emotions, Land of Careful Shadows shines a nuanced and timely light on a small town's darkest secrets and deepest obsessions. It is not only a tour de force of literary suspense, but an intimate journey into the human heart.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published November 25, 2014
113 people are currently reading
1541 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Chazin
17 books149 followers Suzanne Chazin is the author of two critically acclaimed, award-winning suspense series. Her “Jimmy Vega” series, about an upstate New York cop navigating the world of the undocumented was an American Library Association finalist for Best Mystery of the Year and an Amazon pick. Her Georgia Skeehan/FDNY series was hailed as, “searing and emotionally explosive” (USA Today), and her heroine, fire investigator Georgia Skeehan, as “incredibly strong” (People).
A graduate of Northwestern University, Suzanne worked for two decades in journalism, writing for Reader's Digest and The New York Times, and winning several national awards. Among her quirkier experiences as a journalist: profiling a doctor who used his kitchen ceiling fan as a centrifuge (he went on to win the Nobel Prize in medicine for his work), and visiting a small Georgia town that had a parade in her honor because they got the funny idea that she was actually somebody important.
Thank God her novel-writing career has disabused her of any such notion.
For more information, please visit her website at: www.suzannechazin.com
A graduate of Northwestern University, Suzanne worked for two decades in journalism, writing for Reader's Digest and The New York Times, and winning several national awards. Among her quirkier experiences as a journalist: profiling a doctor who used his kitchen ceiling fan as a centrifuge (he went on to win the Nobel Prize in medicine for his work), and visiting a small Georgia town that had a parade in her honor because they got the funny idea that she was actually somebody important.
Thank God her novel-writing career has disabused her of any such notion.
For more information, please visit her website at: www.suzannechazin.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
October 17, 2016
"Today, with the sunlight streaming through the office, there were flecks of dark honey in the irises. She realized he was looking for an honest answer."
Homicide Detective Jimmy Vega is dogging an honest answer from all around, in and out, and up and down. When the body of an undocumented woman is found in a woodsy area of Lake Holly, New York, Jimmy, a Latino himself, is assigned the case. Although growing up in both Brooklyn and Lake Holly, Jimmy knows full-out how life works on both sides of the equation.
What intensifies the plot is a photo of the woman with a small girl on her lap. Who is this child and is she still alive? When a tiny shoe is found in the lake, the search is kicked into high gear. The innocent appear along with the not so innocent in this one. And who gets to determine which is which?
Suzanne Chazin presents a storyline that runs along the rails of today's headlines. You will read outloud from passages that may evoke some serious emotions. Chazin puts it all out there for you to muddle over......the good, the bad, and the ugly on all sides. There's a lot of zigzag jelly between these slices of bread. Food for thought.
I started with Chazin's third book in this Jimmy Vega Series, No Witness But the Moon, and am now going back to the beginning. I assure you that we will be finding out more about Jimmy and his inner workings. This is a solid series and Chazin's characters have incredible depth and they also evoke the light of high interest. She's that good. You get the whole, piece-by-piece story with all the bells and whistles and she holds nothing back.
It is my hope that Suzanne Chazin is hovering over her next Jimmy Vega offering even as we speak. So looking forward to it, Chazin.
Homicide Detective Jimmy Vega is dogging an honest answer from all around, in and out, and up and down. When the body of an undocumented woman is found in a woodsy area of Lake Holly, New York, Jimmy, a Latino himself, is assigned the case. Although growing up in both Brooklyn and Lake Holly, Jimmy knows full-out how life works on both sides of the equation.
What intensifies the plot is a photo of the woman with a small girl on her lap. Who is this child and is she still alive? When a tiny shoe is found in the lake, the search is kicked into high gear. The innocent appear along with the not so innocent in this one. And who gets to determine which is which?
Suzanne Chazin presents a storyline that runs along the rails of today's headlines. You will read outloud from passages that may evoke some serious emotions. Chazin puts it all out there for you to muddle over......the good, the bad, and the ugly on all sides. There's a lot of zigzag jelly between these slices of bread. Food for thought.
I started with Chazin's third book in this Jimmy Vega Series, No Witness But the Moon, and am now going back to the beginning. I assure you that we will be finding out more about Jimmy and his inner workings. This is a solid series and Chazin's characters have incredible depth and they also evoke the light of high interest. She's that good. You get the whole, piece-by-piece story with all the bells and whistles and she holds nothing back.
It is my hope that Suzanne Chazin is hovering over her next Jimmy Vega offering even as we speak. So looking forward to it, Chazin.
October 19, 2016
Land of Careful Shadows by Suzanne Chazin is a 2014 Kensington publication.
This first book in the Jimmy Vega series is quite impressive. Vega is a cop that can read between the lines and see the shades of gray between right and wrong, which leaves him as conflicted as those who are not in law enforcement, but he must do his duty, which is to uphold the law, no matter what.
When a young Hispanic woman is found dead, a picture in her purse of a child, sparks panic as the whereabouts of the child are unknown.
Vega, who is also Hispanic, understands the dilemma many immigrants face, but he must also follow the letter of the law, but when his investigation leads him to Adele Figueroa, a woman who champions the cause of immigrants, his enlightenment and belief system is put to the test.
This story highlights the many layers of immigration, the struggles ethic groups cope with, as they attempt to build better lives for themselves, but also shows the many ways in which they are vulnerable to suspicions, bigotry, and how they are often taken advantage of.
Vega finds himself in between a rock and a hard place due to his sworn duty, but also because of his own heritage.
The mystery unveils the identity of the dead woman, and the mysterious way she died, and the whereabouts of the woman’s child, which opens up a plethora of small town secrets and crimes, that will hit Vega where it hurts.
I thought the author did an amazing job with this novel. Vega is a complex character I hope to get to know better as this series progresses, and the issues addressed in the story are timely, presented in a realistic and thought provoking manner.
There is plenty of room for character development and growth, and the writing is stellar, so I am positive this series is going to become a strong, dependable, ‘automatic buy’ kind of thing for me. I can’t wait to get started on the second installment!
4 stars
This first book in the Jimmy Vega series is quite impressive. Vega is a cop that can read between the lines and see the shades of gray between right and wrong, which leaves him as conflicted as those who are not in law enforcement, but he must do his duty, which is to uphold the law, no matter what.
When a young Hispanic woman is found dead, a picture in her purse of a child, sparks panic as the whereabouts of the child are unknown.
Vega, who is also Hispanic, understands the dilemma many immigrants face, but he must also follow the letter of the law, but when his investigation leads him to Adele Figueroa, a woman who champions the cause of immigrants, his enlightenment and belief system is put to the test.
This story highlights the many layers of immigration, the struggles ethic groups cope with, as they attempt to build better lives for themselves, but also shows the many ways in which they are vulnerable to suspicions, bigotry, and how they are often taken advantage of.
Vega finds himself in between a rock and a hard place due to his sworn duty, but also because of his own heritage.
The mystery unveils the identity of the dead woman, and the mysterious way she died, and the whereabouts of the woman’s child, which opens up a plethora of small town secrets and crimes, that will hit Vega where it hurts.
I thought the author did an amazing job with this novel. Vega is a complex character I hope to get to know better as this series progresses, and the issues addressed in the story are timely, presented in a realistic and thought provoking manner.
There is plenty of room for character development and growth, and the writing is stellar, so I am positive this series is going to become a strong, dependable, ‘automatic buy’ kind of thing for me. I can’t wait to get started on the second installment!
4 stars
August 1, 2016
4.5 stars
The Land of Careful Shadows is a politically charged mystery that emphasizes the complexities of immigration reform.
When Detective Jimmy Vega is called in to assist in the murder investigation of an undocumented immigrant in Lake Holly, New York, elements of his past come to the surface. Vega, who grew up in Lake Holly (but born in the Bronx) seemed to push his Puerto Rican culture to the side in order to fit in—he married (and eventually divorced) a white woman and did not teach his daughter, Joy, about being Puerto Rican or even speak Spanish to her. With the investigation fueling his feelings, Jimmy struggles throughout the novel to come to terms with his identity.
Vega works alongside Detective Lou Greco to solve the mystery behind the death of the undocumented woman. Spurred on by an illegal immigrant killing a white woman and her daughter in a DUI, Lake Holly is a town divided over immigration. Since this incident, undocumented immigrants are the targets of numerous hate crimes. Both Jimmy and Greco struggle with doing what is right vs. following the law—it becomes apparent that the two don’t always go hand-in-hand.
The Land of Careful shadows is more than a mystery—it’s a thought provoking commentary that shows that immigration reform isn’t a black and white issue. Chazin reminds the reader that whether or not they are in agreement over immigration reform, those crossing the border are human beings.
I highly recommend will definitely be reading the other books in the series!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2019
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I thought that this was a really well-done detective story. This is one of those books that I have had no my tbr forever but kept skipping over it for one reason or another. I am glad that I finally dusted it off and gave it a try. I liked this book from that very start and found that I felt invested in the mystery. I had a great time with this book.
Jimmy Vega is a detective in New York state. He is called to the scene when the body of an undocumented female is found. Jimmy is a Latino and he realizes very quickly that the small town that he is working in may not give equal treatment to everyone. There is a large immigrant population in Lake Holly with many being undocumented. Not only does Jimmy want to learn how the woman died, but he is also trying to find out what happened to the child in the photograph that she had with her.
I liked Jimmy right away. He was a smart cop and because of his heritage, he was able to see both sides of the case a little clearer than some of his co-workers. He was determined to get answers about the woman's death and make sure the child was safe. He also wasn't afraid to question how things have been done in town and worked to right as many wrongs as he could. He had a few more personal matters to deal with in this story which made him seem a little easier to relate to. He doesn't do everything perfectly in this story but he works to learn from his mistakes and I always felt like he was trying to do what was right.
I loved the way the author was able to incorporate the lives of undocumented workers in this story. I found that the way she painted the picture of what their lives were like both in this country and at home was really powerful. I thought that the motivation of the characters to risk so much to come to the states for a chance to work felt very authentic. I really liked the way that we really were able to see both sides of this story.
Armando Durán was the perfect narrator for this story. There was quite a bit of Spanish sprinkled throughout the book and I thought that he made everything flow very well. Don't worry, you don't need to know how to speak Spanish to enjoy this book (I don't) but I thought the fact that the narrator made those passages sound natural was a big plus. I thought that he handled all of the character voices very well and was able to add a lot of excitement to the story. I wouldn't hesitate to listen to his work again.
I would recommend this book to fans of detective stories. I thought that this was a nicely plotted, complex mystery with really fantastic characters. I would not hesitate to read more of the Jimmy Vega series!
I received a digital review copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley and borrowed a copy of the audiobook from my local library.
Initial Thoughts
This was a really good detective story. When the body of an undocumented woman is found, Jimmy Vega is called into the small town in New York to help with the investigation. It becomes obvious right away that immigrants in this town are not always treated fairly. I liked watching Vega work to not only find out what happened to the woman but work tirelessly to find her daughter. At the same time, he is juggling some issues with his own teenage daughter. I really liked the way this book touched on what it is like for someone living in this country illegally and what motivates someone to take that path. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrator did a fantastic job with this story.
I thought that this was a really well-done detective story. This is one of those books that I have had no my tbr forever but kept skipping over it for one reason or another. I am glad that I finally dusted it off and gave it a try. I liked this book from that very start and found that I felt invested in the mystery. I had a great time with this book.
Jimmy Vega is a detective in New York state. He is called to the scene when the body of an undocumented female is found. Jimmy is a Latino and he realizes very quickly that the small town that he is working in may not give equal treatment to everyone. There is a large immigrant population in Lake Holly with many being undocumented. Not only does Jimmy want to learn how the woman died, but he is also trying to find out what happened to the child in the photograph that she had with her.
I liked Jimmy right away. He was a smart cop and because of his heritage, he was able to see both sides of the case a little clearer than some of his co-workers. He was determined to get answers about the woman's death and make sure the child was safe. He also wasn't afraid to question how things have been done in town and worked to right as many wrongs as he could. He had a few more personal matters to deal with in this story which made him seem a little easier to relate to. He doesn't do everything perfectly in this story but he works to learn from his mistakes and I always felt like he was trying to do what was right.
I loved the way the author was able to incorporate the lives of undocumented workers in this story. I found that the way she painted the picture of what their lives were like both in this country and at home was really powerful. I thought that the motivation of the characters to risk so much to come to the states for a chance to work felt very authentic. I really liked the way that we really were able to see both sides of this story.
Armando Durán was the perfect narrator for this story. There was quite a bit of Spanish sprinkled throughout the book and I thought that he made everything flow very well. Don't worry, you don't need to know how to speak Spanish to enjoy this book (I don't) but I thought the fact that the narrator made those passages sound natural was a big plus. I thought that he handled all of the character voices very well and was able to add a lot of excitement to the story. I wouldn't hesitate to listen to his work again.
I would recommend this book to fans of detective stories. I thought that this was a nicely plotted, complex mystery with really fantastic characters. I would not hesitate to read more of the Jimmy Vega series!
I received a digital review copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley and borrowed a copy of the audiobook from my local library.
Initial Thoughts
This was a really good detective story. When the body of an undocumented woman is found, Jimmy Vega is called into the small town in New York to help with the investigation. It becomes obvious right away that immigrants in this town are not always treated fairly. I liked watching Vega work to not only find out what happened to the woman but work tirelessly to find her daughter. At the same time, he is juggling some issues with his own teenage daughter. I really liked the way this book touched on what it is like for someone living in this country illegally and what motivates someone to take that path. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrator did a fantastic job with this story.
February 1, 2015
The Land of Careful Shadows is the best novel I’ve read that illuminates the issues of the undocumented immigrants. Suzanne Chazin has worked with these immigrants in an outreach program in the New York suburbs. She has woven some of their stories into this novel. This research gives the novel authenticity. I enjoy novels that give insight into different lives. I enjoy learning about things that I had no previous knowledge.
It’s a story about the mysterious death of a Latino woman. Jimmy Vega, a Latino himself, is a detective assigned to the case. He runs into town politics, racism, local police procedure, and family contention while trying to uncover who is responsible for the death of this woman. The story is told in third person, but most of the story is told from Vega’s perspective.
Because of the legal nature of the undocumented immigrant, the police are at times hesitant about getting involved. If an undocumented person is a victim of a crime, they are given legal status to remain in the country as witness. Thus, if an undocumented person commits a crime against another undocumented person, the police let it go. And when the clues lead to another undocumented person, the Latino community is hesitant to help. If the police book an innocent undocumented immigrant, the innocent is sent back to their original country. Against the odds, Vega firmly continues his quest for the truth.
Vega finds more than he bargained for. There are twists and turns. There’s a bit of romance and sexual tension along with racial tension. It’s a fast read and a great mystery. I recommend it based on the revealing side of the life of immigrants and the enjoyment of a well-written mystery.
It’s a story about the mysterious death of a Latino woman. Jimmy Vega, a Latino himself, is a detective assigned to the case. He runs into town politics, racism, local police procedure, and family contention while trying to uncover who is responsible for the death of this woman. The story is told in third person, but most of the story is told from Vega’s perspective.
Because of the legal nature of the undocumented immigrant, the police are at times hesitant about getting involved. If an undocumented person is a victim of a crime, they are given legal status to remain in the country as witness. Thus, if an undocumented person commits a crime against another undocumented person, the police let it go. And when the clues lead to another undocumented person, the Latino community is hesitant to help. If the police book an innocent undocumented immigrant, the innocent is sent back to their original country. Against the odds, Vega firmly continues his quest for the truth.
Vega finds more than he bargained for. There are twists and turns. There’s a bit of romance and sexual tension along with racial tension. It’s a fast read and a great mystery. I recommend it based on the revealing side of the life of immigrants and the enjoyment of a well-written mystery.
July 24, 2016
Detective Jimmy Vega finds himself investigating the case when a young, Hispanic woman is discovered at a reservoir north of New York City. Worrying detectives is the fact that the women has a photo of a young child and this child is no where to be found. Along with the body is also a note that says “Go back to your country. You don’t belong here.”
Land of Careful Shadows is a book that is fitting the times and what is going on with current news with racial tensions and political topics. The story starts off with Jimmy himself being racially profiled even though he is a homicide detective he finds himself still dealing with the stereotypes. The writing in this book was really good and the plot interesting but I still found myself at somewhat of a disconnect with this one.
The MC is Latino and he is investigating a Latino murder in an area with a lot of illegal immigrants that shy from the police from not wanting to be deported. But some characters still seem to block the police efforts even though Jimmy should be one of their own whether the characters were legal or not. That is kind of where my disconnect stemmed as I don't understand not helping to find a murderer and some of the things included I'm just not as familiar with when it comes to immigration etc.
I do still think that overall the author has made a good story here that sits well with current times that some people will love. There are of course twists and turns along the investigation to keep one guessing as to who is responsible and how it will turn out.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Land of Careful Shadows is a book that is fitting the times and what is going on with current news with racial tensions and political topics. The story starts off with Jimmy himself being racially profiled even though he is a homicide detective he finds himself still dealing with the stereotypes. The writing in this book was really good and the plot interesting but I still found myself at somewhat of a disconnect with this one.
The MC is Latino and he is investigating a Latino murder in an area with a lot of illegal immigrants that shy from the police from not wanting to be deported. But some characters still seem to block the police efforts even though Jimmy should be one of their own whether the characters were legal or not. That is kind of where my disconnect stemmed as I don't understand not helping to find a murderer and some of the things included I'm just not as familiar with when it comes to immigration etc.
I do still think that overall the author has made a good story here that sits well with current times that some people will love. There are of course twists and turns along the investigation to keep one guessing as to who is responsible and how it will turn out.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
August 16, 2016
So much more than 'just' a mystery! Land of Careful Shadows introduces homicide detective Jimmy Vega who returns to Lake Holly, a small town in NY state, where he spent a large part of his childhood to investigate the death of a young Hispanic woman who had a photo of a baby on her. Who is the woman? How did she die? And where is the child?
With his Puerto Rican roots, Vega is no stranger to prejudice. As a police detective, he is now also facing distrust from the large Latino community in the town, many of whom are undocumented. On top of that, he is trying to remain in his teenage daughter's life after his divorce.
The story doesn't just focus on Vega and the police investigation, though. At its heart, it provides a touching insight into the plight of undocumented immigrants.
It was really interesting to read about the racial tension that had been building over several months and the experience of the different characters, the documented immigrants, the undocumented ones, the families made up of different cultures, such as Vegas and his ex-wife.
You could tell the author is passionate about the subject, without being preachy or heavy on politics, and has researched her topic. Apart from being very topical and relevant, some of it was truly shocking and a real eye-opener. I admit I've learned a lot about immigration from this. But I also particularly enjoyed the way the author delved deeper and explored aspects of bi-cultural and bilingual identities.
The multi-layered mystery aspect of the story was done pretty well, too. Some parts of it were predictable, and I was starting to wonder how it could take Vega that long to catch up with facts that were presented to him early on. Other parts were quite surprising and twisted enough to keep me fully engaged throughout.
The one thing I found a little irritating was the fact that all white American females were described as skinny. Considering the author made a very valid point of emphasizing how diverse groups of people are even if they share some commonalities this sort of stereotyping just didn't fit in.
Overall, though, this was a great story with some memorable characters and I intend to read the next books in this series.
Many thanks to Kensington Books who provided me with a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
With his Puerto Rican roots, Vega is no stranger to prejudice. As a police detective, he is now also facing distrust from the large Latino community in the town, many of whom are undocumented. On top of that, he is trying to remain in his teenage daughter's life after his divorce.
The story doesn't just focus on Vega and the police investigation, though. At its heart, it provides a touching insight into the plight of undocumented immigrants.
It was really interesting to read about the racial tension that had been building over several months and the experience of the different characters, the documented immigrants, the undocumented ones, the families made up of different cultures, such as Vegas and his ex-wife.
You could tell the author is passionate about the subject, without being preachy or heavy on politics, and has researched her topic. Apart from being very topical and relevant, some of it was truly shocking and a real eye-opener. I admit I've learned a lot about immigration from this. But I also particularly enjoyed the way the author delved deeper and explored aspects of bi-cultural and bilingual identities.
The multi-layered mystery aspect of the story was done pretty well, too. Some parts of it were predictable, and I was starting to wonder how it could take Vega that long to catch up with facts that were presented to him early on. Other parts were quite surprising and twisted enough to keep me fully engaged throughout.
The one thing I found a little irritating was the fact that all white American females were described as skinny. Considering the author made a very valid point of emphasizing how diverse groups of people are even if they share some commonalities this sort of stereotyping just didn't fit in.
Overall, though, this was a great story with some memorable characters and I intend to read the next books in this series.
Many thanks to Kensington Books who provided me with a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2015
This book was recommended to me by the author and although I was ready to dismiss it, I decided to give it a try instead. Am I glad I did. I loved this book. It's been a while since I've read a satisfying book like this.
The story centers around the investigation of an immigrant woman's body found dead in a reservoir. Everyone has somethng to hide, something to protect, which is making it that much harder for Detective Jimmy Vega to complete his investigation. As if this weren't enough, the racial tensions in town are on an all time high. There is also at stake a child's life. A picture of the victim holding a young child was found next to the body and Vega wants to find out where this child is or what happened to her.
The book was suspenseful and once I locked myself away in my room I could not stop reading it until its conclusion. I liked the author's style of writing. The story was told from different points of views but it was all told in a linear timeline, where the story did not jump around from place to place. I was able to keep up with it and the investigation made sense to me as events unfolded. The author has written some memorable characters and I would love to see where she takes Detective Vega and company next.
As for the meat of the story, I just want to say that I was touched to tears a couple of times reading the immigrant's stories. I was especially touched by Rodrigo's journey, his struggle to survive in a country where a lot of people are not welcoming, where employers take advantage of his need to make some money, any money, just so he can send it back home to his family so that his kids can have a roof over their head and an education. He must suffer in silence and accept the abuses for fear of being reported to the authorities. From the start, we see how he has to make do with a boot that's completely falling apart. He tries to crazy glue it, then tie a string around it. That boot bothers me even now. It's the kind of stuff where sometimes you forget you're reading a book about a fictional character because I wanted so bad to give him a brand new pair of boots. This made me so very sad. Everything about Rodrigo made me sad, made me want to show him that there are people who care, peole that see him as a human being. He talks about finding a littl girl's necklace in the trash and how he had picked it out of the trash can so that when he returned back to his country he could give it to his youngest child. I could feel the love he had for his child in that one gesture.
I find it hard not to be touched by the plight of immigrants. All the things they must endure just to come to America to earn a little bit of money to send back to the families they leave behind. Some almost die crossing the dessert or river to get here, risk rape, and are often extorted of thousands of dollars they don't have to begin with. The ones that do make it work so hard to earn very little, doing jobs that no one wants to do, back-breaking work and under conditions that no one should have to put up with. There is always a story to every immigrant and if people took a moment to consider this, maybe there would be more compassion towards a person who just wants to give his or her family a better life. Isn't that what we all want for our own families? We don't have to agree on the political aspects of it, but we can all stop to consider for a moment the struggle of each and every one of these people.
I am looking forward to more books by Chazin and to possible further books with Jimmy Vega as a continuing character. Thanks again to Chazin for recommending her book to me.
The story centers around the investigation of an immigrant woman's body found dead in a reservoir. Everyone has somethng to hide, something to protect, which is making it that much harder for Detective Jimmy Vega to complete his investigation. As if this weren't enough, the racial tensions in town are on an all time high. There is also at stake a child's life. A picture of the victim holding a young child was found next to the body and Vega wants to find out where this child is or what happened to her.
The book was suspenseful and once I locked myself away in my room I could not stop reading it until its conclusion. I liked the author's style of writing. The story was told from different points of views but it was all told in a linear timeline, where the story did not jump around from place to place. I was able to keep up with it and the investigation made sense to me as events unfolded. The author has written some memorable characters and I would love to see where she takes Detective Vega and company next.
As for the meat of the story, I just want to say that I was touched to tears a couple of times reading the immigrant's stories. I was especially touched by Rodrigo's journey, his struggle to survive in a country where a lot of people are not welcoming, where employers take advantage of his need to make some money, any money, just so he can send it back home to his family so that his kids can have a roof over their head and an education. He must suffer in silence and accept the abuses for fear of being reported to the authorities. From the start, we see how he has to make do with a boot that's completely falling apart. He tries to crazy glue it, then tie a string around it. That boot bothers me even now. It's the kind of stuff where sometimes you forget you're reading a book about a fictional character because I wanted so bad to give him a brand new pair of boots. This made me so very sad. Everything about Rodrigo made me sad, made me want to show him that there are people who care, peole that see him as a human being. He talks about finding a littl girl's necklace in the trash and how he had picked it out of the trash can so that when he returned back to his country he could give it to his youngest child. I could feel the love he had for his child in that one gesture.
I find it hard not to be touched by the plight of immigrants. All the things they must endure just to come to America to earn a little bit of money to send back to the families they leave behind. Some almost die crossing the dessert or river to get here, risk rape, and are often extorted of thousands of dollars they don't have to begin with. The ones that do make it work so hard to earn very little, doing jobs that no one wants to do, back-breaking work and under conditions that no one should have to put up with. There is always a story to every immigrant and if people took a moment to consider this, maybe there would be more compassion towards a person who just wants to give his or her family a better life. Isn't that what we all want for our own families? We don't have to agree on the political aspects of it, but we can all stop to consider for a moment the struggle of each and every one of these people.
I am looking forward to more books by Chazin and to possible further books with Jimmy Vega as a continuing character. Thanks again to Chazin for recommending her book to me.
January 10, 2018
4.5 stars
I love books that entertain while making you think. I knew undocumented individuals had a hard time of it, and I always felt compassion for their plight. But now each one weighs on my heart. This book makes you think, it makes you feel. It is an appropriate read for anyone making decisions about DACA. Every congressman should be required to read it.
I love books that entertain while making you think. I knew undocumented individuals had a hard time of it, and I always felt compassion for their plight. But now each one weighs on my heart. This book makes you think, it makes you feel. It is an appropriate read for anyone making decisions about DACA. Every congressman should be required to read it.
April 11, 2015
I heard about Land of Careful Shadows because the author sent me a message, based on my having reviewed Julia Spencer-Fleming's books, being herself a fan, and having a very nice blurb from JS-F. (I know some people don't like this kind of authorial contact, but I was fine with it, especially as she was respectful and not at all pushy. It's got to be tough, and the reality is that a lot of authors have to do marketing themselves these days.)
Before I say anything else about it, this might not be the best book for someone who has strong feelings that undocumented workers in the US are all criminals or the like. Just for the record, I don't believe that, and FWIW, my beliefs were formed back in the time when I was living in the States. The girls' dad is Latino (both his grandfathers came from Mexico as young men) and I learned a lot about the issues from him and his family as well as from social justice groups, especially when we were living in Tucson.
That's not to suggest that I think this is a preachy book - but it is a book telling two stories, which has its drawbacks as well as advantages. From the series title, you'd expect this to be about Jimmy Vega, homicide detective, solving a murder while being distracted, or not, by romantic affairs. (Oh, okay, the latter only because the author mentioned in her email that there was "falling in love" and the blurb says Jimmy is "challenged and intrigued by Adele Figueroa", and we all know where that's likely to lead!) It is, of course, that story. However it's also the story of undocumented immigrants in a small town in New York state, and a fair amount of the POV scenes belong to Rodrigo, who is on his second stint in the US to support his wife and children back in Guatemala. Both of those stories are, as Julia Spencer-Fleming put it, "keenly moving and suspenseful", but they don't play 100% well with each other.
Jimmy is a complex character, and he's caught in a number of conflicts - he'd experienced serious prejudice as a child and teen in the town to which he's now been sent to investigate, and still finds it today, but he's also viewed with distrust (and worse on occasion) by the Latino community in the town. His first love, Linda, has moved back to Lake Holly, and she - though Anglo as they come - is more involved in the community than he is. He's had to make a lot of compromises and has lost much of his feeling of belonging to his own culture, without ever being fully accepted in/by Anglo culture either. He's also in a difficult position in this investigation, as there are all kinds of problems in the town that the chief of police, Greco, wants to sit on, and his motivation may not be entirely that he's a racist jerk.
One of the strengths of the book is highlighting the fact that undocumented immigrants aren't one uniform group - in any way except for their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation. Rodrigo's journey from Guatemala certainly has elements which are all too commonly heard, but he's a very real character with a truly moving story. This is definitely good, but it does cause the sympathy I'd been feeling for Vega to falter and almost be lost completely at one point. No real spoilers here, and certainly nothing about the solution of the crime, but the truly averse might skip to the next paragraph. When Rodrigo becomes a suspect, we've been in his head enough to understand his motivation at running when a cop comes to pick him up. We don't know for sure whether or not he actually committed the crime, but we do see Vega's refusing to pay attention to the horrific experiences Rodrigo has in trying to get him to confess, except in the rather weak way they provide him motive for the killing. It comes very close to a feeling that Vega is so eager to get a confession that he wouldn't care too much about whether that confession was actually real. I found this incredibly upsetting - I wouldn't have been surprised if it had been any of the other cops by then, but Jimmy has to have enough integrity to be worth investing emotionally in. It pulled out of this low-point quite quickly, and I was back to feeling he was a good guy who's sometimes emotionally immature and sometimes a bit lazy, but interestingly rather than fatally flawed. In a nice parallel, the same kind of behaviour turned up again, when someone would have been quite happy to destroy Vega's career even knowing that he hadn't done something.
Adele was great, and I'd have liked to see more of her, for a couple of reasons. One is that emotional immaturity Vega sometimes exhibits, which seems to leave him a bit inclined to mope over skinny Anglo women. And yes, they *are* all skinny, which is a slight problem. Twice in the book Latino guys admire Adele, who's beautiful and curvy and contrast her with Anglo (or Norte Americano, as Rodrigo calls them) women, who are too skinny and "dress just like their men". Body stereotyping is *still* a bad thing no matter how it's done. Anyway, it did make the romance between Adele and Jimmy seem slightly as if he hit rock-bottom and *then* turned to Adele, which isn't too likeable.
There was one point when I started wondering if the book had gone so far in the direction of developing sympathy for the Central American immigrants that it had turned into Anglo=bad, Latino=good. It's not, and having brought it up, I need to be very clear on that. What is the case is that those with more power are far too likely to exploit and abuse those with none, and while the undocumented workers are inevitably at the powerless end, the exploiters aren't necessarily Anglos. Adele's family's story being a tragic example of that.
Although one worst thing doesn't happen, some of the things that come to light as Jimmy eventually solves the crime are both heartbreaking and infuriatingly credible. I had no idea who the killer was until close to the end, and -- wow. I did see another part of the mystery , but not in its entirely, and again, it was both shocking and sadly, not unbelievable.
I listened to this on audiobook, only because it's not out here any other way, and won't be in paperback until mid-summer, but I was happy with that as it's very well read. The next Jimmy Vega book will be out this November, and it's already on my to-read list.
Before I say anything else about it, this might not be the best book for someone who has strong feelings that undocumented workers in the US are all criminals or the like. Just for the record, I don't believe that, and FWIW, my beliefs were formed back in the time when I was living in the States. The girls' dad is Latino (both his grandfathers came from Mexico as young men) and I learned a lot about the issues from him and his family as well as from social justice groups, especially when we were living in Tucson.
That's not to suggest that I think this is a preachy book - but it is a book telling two stories, which has its drawbacks as well as advantages. From the series title, you'd expect this to be about Jimmy Vega, homicide detective, solving a murder while being distracted, or not, by romantic affairs. (Oh, okay, the latter only because the author mentioned in her email that there was "falling in love" and the blurb says Jimmy is "challenged and intrigued by Adele Figueroa", and we all know where that's likely to lead!) It is, of course, that story. However it's also the story of undocumented immigrants in a small town in New York state, and a fair amount of the POV scenes belong to Rodrigo, who is on his second stint in the US to support his wife and children back in Guatemala. Both of those stories are, as Julia Spencer-Fleming put it, "keenly moving and suspenseful", but they don't play 100% well with each other.
Jimmy is a complex character, and he's caught in a number of conflicts - he'd experienced serious prejudice as a child and teen in the town to which he's now been sent to investigate, and still finds it today, but he's also viewed with distrust (and worse on occasion) by the Latino community in the town. His first love, Linda, has moved back to Lake Holly, and she - though Anglo as they come - is more involved in the community than he is. He's had to make a lot of compromises and has lost much of his feeling of belonging to his own culture, without ever being fully accepted in/by Anglo culture either. He's also in a difficult position in this investigation, as there are all kinds of problems in the town that the chief of police, Greco, wants to sit on, and his motivation may not be entirely that he's a racist jerk.
One of the strengths of the book is highlighting the fact that undocumented immigrants aren't one uniform group - in any way except for their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation. Rodrigo's journey from Guatemala certainly has elements which are all too commonly heard, but he's a very real character with a truly moving story. This is definitely good, but it does cause the sympathy I'd been feeling for Vega to falter and almost be lost completely at one point. No real spoilers here, and certainly nothing about the solution of the crime, but the truly averse might skip to the next paragraph. When Rodrigo becomes a suspect, we've been in his head enough to understand his motivation at running when a cop comes to pick him up. We don't know for sure whether or not he actually committed the crime, but we do see Vega's refusing to pay attention to the horrific experiences Rodrigo has in trying to get him to confess, except in the rather weak way they provide him motive for the killing. It comes very close to a feeling that Vega is so eager to get a confession that he wouldn't care too much about whether that confession was actually real. I found this incredibly upsetting - I wouldn't have been surprised if it had been any of the other cops by then, but Jimmy has to have enough integrity to be worth investing emotionally in. It pulled out of this low-point quite quickly, and I was back to feeling he was a good guy who's sometimes emotionally immature and sometimes a bit lazy, but interestingly rather than fatally flawed. In a nice parallel, the same kind of behaviour turned up again, when someone would have been quite happy to destroy Vega's career even knowing that he hadn't done something.
Adele was great, and I'd have liked to see more of her, for a couple of reasons. One is that emotional immaturity Vega sometimes exhibits, which seems to leave him a bit inclined to mope over skinny Anglo women. And yes, they *are* all skinny, which is a slight problem. Twice in the book Latino guys admire Adele, who's beautiful and curvy and contrast her with Anglo (or Norte Americano, as Rodrigo calls them) women, who are too skinny and "dress just like their men". Body stereotyping is *still* a bad thing no matter how it's done. Anyway, it did make the romance between Adele and Jimmy seem slightly as if he hit rock-bottom and *then* turned to Adele, which isn't too likeable.
There was one point when I started wondering if the book had gone so far in the direction of developing sympathy for the Central American immigrants that it had turned into Anglo=bad, Latino=good. It's not, and having brought it up, I need to be very clear on that. What is the case is that those with more power are far too likely to exploit and abuse those with none, and while the undocumented workers are inevitably at the powerless end, the exploiters aren't necessarily Anglos. Adele's family's story being a tragic example of that.
Although one worst thing doesn't happen, some of the things that come to light as Jimmy eventually solves the crime are both heartbreaking and infuriatingly credible. I had no idea who the killer was until close to the end, and -- wow. I did see another part of the mystery , but not in its entirely, and again, it was both shocking and sadly, not unbelievable.
I listened to this on audiobook, only because it's not out here any other way, and won't be in paperback until mid-summer, but I was happy with that as it's very well read. The next Jimmy Vega book will be out this November, and it's already on my to-read list.
September 15, 2020
Jimmy Vega is a Latino cop who feels caught between the needs of two communities. He is viewed as Latino by white people, but he is not part of the immigrant community either because he is of Puerto Rican Heritage, and thus lives in the US legally. In this mystery, his past, present, professional, and personal lives all collide.
My only grumble with this book is that the solution to the homicide hinges on the kind of coincidence which, when it happens in real life, people say, "if someone wrote that in a novel, they would be made to rewrite it."
Content advisory: this book is a modern police story which contains some offensive language, in English and Spanish, as well as A couple of graphic descriptions of violent death. There is much less of both then in many modern police procedurals, but more than you would find in a cozy or classic mystery.
My only grumble with this book is that the solution to the homicide hinges on the kind of coincidence which, when it happens in real life, people say, "if someone wrote that in a novel, they would be made to rewrite it."
Content advisory: this book is a modern police story which contains some offensive language, in English and Spanish, as well as A couple of graphic descriptions of violent death. There is much less of both then in many modern police procedurals, but more than you would find in a cozy or classic mystery.
March 24, 2023
I listened to Land Of Careful Shadows to see if it would give me a new detective series to read. The answer was an emphatic yes. I want to read the rest of the series and I want to read Suzanne Chazin's back catalogue, starting with her debut novel, The Fourth Angel (2002) which kicked off her trilogy about a rookie fire marshal in the NYC Fire Department.
The why behind that yes contains all the things you might expect from the first book in a police procedural series: a detective who is more than his job, a strongly evoked sense of place, a well-constructed and artfully revealed mystery and an edgy realism that gives the imagination traction. But what makes the yes and emphatic yes are the things that I don't expect of a police procedural series: a deep empathy for the problems faced by everyone in the story, a strong emotional connection to many participants whether they are doing the investigating, being investigated or simply trying to make sure the investigation doesn't do any more damage than it needs to, and an exploration of the effect of power and helplessness on how people see themselves and how they behave towards others.
Most detective narratives have two things in common - solving a crime and having the good guys find and punish the bad guys. This isn't that kind of narrative. From the start, it's not entirely clear whether or not a crime has been committed. There is a dead body but that doesn't necessarily mean there was a murder. There is a mystery to be solved and it's a good one, but there aren't clear good guys and bad guys and nor is it clear whether those who are guilty should be punished.
This book grabbed my imagination in a way that most police procedurals don't. As I listened to it, I was so tied up in how the people would cope with the challenges that they faced and figuring out what really happened and then figuring out what I thought the right thing to do about it was, that I didn't give much thought to what made this book different. It was only afterwards, as I reflected on the events and the relationships and the power dynamics that shaped the lives of everyone involved that I saw what was different.
Suzanne Chazin wasn't just trying to offer me an engaging puzzle to be solved. She was using the investigation to demonstrate how the rules around immigration and its enforcement shape the lives of people involved - distributing power but also taking it away - and how the normal things in life - love, family. earning a living, belonging, being left alone - all have to push themselves through this system like a river trying to find a way through rock. Her storytelling style is engaging and the narrative is propulsive but the focus isn't on solving the mystery but on the phenomenology of power, helplessness, exclusion and fear. Instead of using people as instruments for plot exposition, she uses the plot to get the reader inside the head of everyone involved and share their experience.
I saw the world through the eyes of Detective Jimmy Vega, who grew up as the only second-generation immigrant from Peurto Rico in an upstate NY town, who works undercover tackling drug gangs and who, on arrival at the crime scene at the beginning of the book is faced with a rookie cop pointing a gun at him because the rookie sees a Hispanic guy in an Escalade as a threat and not as a possible colleague. I saw it through the eyes of an economic migrant who has put himself through the dangers and degradations of travelling north and entering the US illegally for the second time so that he can secure the economic future of his family and who now finds himself likely to be accused of murder. I saw it through the eyes of a Harvard Law graduate, the daughter of undocumented parents, who is running a centre to help to support people who now face a tougher immigration system than her parents did. The more eyes that I saw the world through the more empathy I felt for the characters, even the ones like Jimmy Vega who I didn't like and the more I came to understand that they were all people trying to do the best they could, whether police officer or migrant or social worker.
At first, I thought I was seeing a clash between the law enforcement mindset and the mindset of those who have always had to run and hide from authority. Then I started to see that it was more complicated than that. Doing the right thing, even figuring out what the right thing is, was difficult and oftentimes none of the options available to people were good ones.
The why behind that yes contains all the things you might expect from the first book in a police procedural series: a detective who is more than his job, a strongly evoked sense of place, a well-constructed and artfully revealed mystery and an edgy realism that gives the imagination traction. But what makes the yes and emphatic yes are the things that I don't expect of a police procedural series: a deep empathy for the problems faced by everyone in the story, a strong emotional connection to many participants whether they are doing the investigating, being investigated or simply trying to make sure the investigation doesn't do any more damage than it needs to, and an exploration of the effect of power and helplessness on how people see themselves and how they behave towards others.
Most detective narratives have two things in common - solving a crime and having the good guys find and punish the bad guys. This isn't that kind of narrative. From the start, it's not entirely clear whether or not a crime has been committed. There is a dead body but that doesn't necessarily mean there was a murder. There is a mystery to be solved and it's a good one, but there aren't clear good guys and bad guys and nor is it clear whether those who are guilty should be punished.
This book grabbed my imagination in a way that most police procedurals don't. As I listened to it, I was so tied up in how the people would cope with the challenges that they faced and figuring out what really happened and then figuring out what I thought the right thing to do about it was, that I didn't give much thought to what made this book different. It was only afterwards, as I reflected on the events and the relationships and the power dynamics that shaped the lives of everyone involved that I saw what was different.
Suzanne Chazin wasn't just trying to offer me an engaging puzzle to be solved. She was using the investigation to demonstrate how the rules around immigration and its enforcement shape the lives of people involved - distributing power but also taking it away - and how the normal things in life - love, family. earning a living, belonging, being left alone - all have to push themselves through this system like a river trying to find a way through rock. Her storytelling style is engaging and the narrative is propulsive but the focus isn't on solving the mystery but on the phenomenology of power, helplessness, exclusion and fear. Instead of using people as instruments for plot exposition, she uses the plot to get the reader inside the head of everyone involved and share their experience.
I saw the world through the eyes of Detective Jimmy Vega, who grew up as the only second-generation immigrant from Peurto Rico in an upstate NY town, who works undercover tackling drug gangs and who, on arrival at the crime scene at the beginning of the book is faced with a rookie cop pointing a gun at him because the rookie sees a Hispanic guy in an Escalade as a threat and not as a possible colleague. I saw it through the eyes of an economic migrant who has put himself through the dangers and degradations of travelling north and entering the US illegally for the second time so that he can secure the economic future of his family and who now finds himself likely to be accused of murder. I saw it through the eyes of a Harvard Law graduate, the daughter of undocumented parents, who is running a centre to help to support people who now face a tougher immigration system than her parents did. The more eyes that I saw the world through the more empathy I felt for the characters, even the ones like Jimmy Vega who I didn't like and the more I came to understand that they were all people trying to do the best they could, whether police officer or migrant or social worker.
At first, I thought I was seeing a clash between the law enforcement mindset and the mindset of those who have always had to run and hide from authority. Then I started to see that it was more complicated than that. Doing the right thing, even figuring out what the right thing is, was difficult and oftentimes none of the options available to people were good ones.
December 8, 2016
Finding a new enjoyable author is like an unexpected gift. I totally love Suzanne Chazin’s writing style, plotting and characterization. Tackling the subject of undocumented immigrants was also a surprise. This author did it with sensibility and understanding, giving dignity to all protagonists. I especially loved the character of Rodrigo, an honest and hard working immigrant from Guatemala, who gets caught up in this case. His thoughts on the world were humbling.
I think this story offered insights and an opportunity to give serious reflection to the issue of the undocumented, whether they are laborers, refugees, or other.
Here we find ourselves in a small, rather upscale town in Northern New York, where County detective, Jimmy Vega, is called in to investigate the murder of a Latino woman. It seems that the town is quite prejudiced against other cultures, especially Latino, and Jimmy Vega, being a second generation American from Puertorican descent, is also on the receiving end of their racial profiling. Even now, as a respected officer of the law, Vega has to watch his step in an investigation simmering with ethnic animosities and steeped in local gossip. Meeting Adele Figueroa--a passionate defender of immigrants' rights, Vega has to rethink some of his own beliefs and values.
I can’t begin to tell how much I enjoyed this book – it’s refreshing and original and I’m running off now to start the next one in the Jimmy Vega series. ****4,5****
I think this story offered insights and an opportunity to give serious reflection to the issue of the undocumented, whether they are laborers, refugees, or other.
Here we find ourselves in a small, rather upscale town in Northern New York, where County detective, Jimmy Vega, is called in to investigate the murder of a Latino woman. It seems that the town is quite prejudiced against other cultures, especially Latino, and Jimmy Vega, being a second generation American from Puertorican descent, is also on the receiving end of their racial profiling. Even now, as a respected officer of the law, Vega has to watch his step in an investigation simmering with ethnic animosities and steeped in local gossip. Meeting Adele Figueroa--a passionate defender of immigrants' rights, Vega has to rethink some of his own beliefs and values.
I can’t begin to tell how much I enjoyed this book – it’s refreshing and original and I’m running off now to start the next one in the Jimmy Vega series. ****4,5****
July 12, 2015
I have said numerous of times in the past that a bad writing style tends to spoil a book. It is hard to overlook it, though there has been many occasions when I overlooked it due to the characterization or the captivating story, but this fell short on both. Although I did like the main character, Jimmy Vega, this story read like a detective story and I never really got to know the character. Jimmy was basically "there", I did not really see any similarities between his life and the body that he found dead. Also I did not see any twists or turns as the critics mentioned.
I tried to give this book the benefit of the doubt by not giving up all the way. Maybe it would grab me later on? Unfortunately it left many unanswered questions than solutions. This book was not filled with mystery,intrigue or any moments that the critics described. I honestly was bored towards the conclusion, so I don't really care to read further.
Who is Jimmy and why should I care about his background? It was a nice touch for him to be a Latino detective, something that is rare with most novels.
However this book failed to left a lasting impression on me.
Needless to say, I don't think I would be reading more novels by Chazin.
I tried to give this book the benefit of the doubt by not giving up all the way. Maybe it would grab me later on? Unfortunately it left many unanswered questions than solutions. This book was not filled with mystery,intrigue or any moments that the critics described. I honestly was bored towards the conclusion, so I don't really care to read further.
Who is Jimmy and why should I care about his background? It was a nice touch for him to be a Latino detective, something that is rare with most novels.
However this book failed to left a lasting impression on me.
Needless to say, I don't think I would be reading more novels by Chazin.
January 10, 2022
This is by far the absolute best book I’ve read in ages! I’d give it 6 stars if I could.
The story itself is fantastic - it made me laugh. It brought tears to my eyes. It made me happy and sad and also hopeful.
The descriptions were amazing as this was so beautifully written. Chazin did an incredible job of weaving the characters and their stories, bringing them together in the end just perfectly. As a reader I had no idea what to expect until she revealed it in the story. The many different viewpoints of the characters from the police officers of various backgrounds to the undocumented immigrants just trying to make things better for their families back home to the people helping all immigrants regardless of status to the people who we think are helping them. And finally to the people affected by them (or affecting them) either positively or negatively.
There is so much that was brought together in this story. I’m still moved by it. Well done, Suzanne Chazin!!
I listened to this via Hoopla : my public library. I’ve just started listening to book 2 on Audible.
The story itself is fantastic - it made me laugh. It brought tears to my eyes. It made me happy and sad and also hopeful.
The descriptions were amazing as this was so beautifully written. Chazin did an incredible job of weaving the characters and their stories, bringing them together in the end just perfectly. As a reader I had no idea what to expect until she revealed it in the story. The many different viewpoints of the characters from the police officers of various backgrounds to the undocumented immigrants just trying to make things better for their families back home to the people helping all immigrants regardless of status to the people who we think are helping them. And finally to the people affected by them (or affecting them) either positively or negatively.
There is so much that was brought together in this story. I’m still moved by it. Well done, Suzanne Chazin!!
I listened to this via Hoopla : my public library. I’ve just started listening to book 2 on Audible.
April 6, 2020
Excellent plot, descriptions and characters. Looks like a great series!
November 21, 2018
When the body of an undocumented woman from Guatemala is found in the lake in a tonny area of Lake Holly, New York, Jimmy Vega, a Latino himself, is assigned to the case. Growing up in both Brooklyn and Lake Holly, Jimmy knows full-well how this case will be treated. What intensifies the plot is a photo of the woman with a small girl on her lap. When there is a small shoe found in the lake, the search is kicked up a notch. Who is this child and is she still alive? When an undocumented male is found to have had a relationship with the dead woman, he is immediately the suspect. Vega finds himself in between a rock and a hard place due to his sworn duty, but also because of his own heritage. As the story unfolds, he finds himself bucking the trend to stop the railroading of an innocent man, find a missing child and pushing for the truth, even if he does not like the outcome.
This is a solid series and Chazin's characters have incredible depth. The relationships are hard to understand as they seem to have some loyalty, but there are so many questions. There are plenty of twists and turns with a highly-flawed protagonist. Vega is a complex character that I hope to get to know better as this series progresses. This was not an easy story to read or listen to. It was highly controversial with a plot that is timely and relevant. It touches on events such as racial profiling, immigration issues, police/civilian relations, and hate crimes. Chazin did an great job weaving together a multilayered crime amidst complex issues. The ending was totally unexpected, yet fit the story perfectly. I am looking forward to the next in this series. I listened to the audio book and although it took me awhile to get used to the narrator, it was well done. I enjoyed listening to this one and will look for the audio book of A Blossom of Bright Light, the next in the Jimmy Vega Mystery series.
This is a solid series and Chazin's characters have incredible depth. The relationships are hard to understand as they seem to have some loyalty, but there are so many questions. There are plenty of twists and turns with a highly-flawed protagonist. Vega is a complex character that I hope to get to know better as this series progresses. This was not an easy story to read or listen to. It was highly controversial with a plot that is timely and relevant. It touches on events such as racial profiling, immigration issues, police/civilian relations, and hate crimes. Chazin did an great job weaving together a multilayered crime amidst complex issues. The ending was totally unexpected, yet fit the story perfectly. I am looking forward to the next in this series. I listened to the audio book and although it took me awhile to get used to the narrator, it was well done. I enjoyed listening to this one and will look for the audio book of A Blossom of Bright Light, the next in the Jimmy Vega Mystery series.
April 12, 2015
Get ready for a great new mystery series! Suzanne Chazin introduces readers to homicide detective Jimmy Vega in her latest novel Land of Careful Shadows. In Lake Holly, fifty miles north of New York City, the very town where Vega spent the better part of his childhood, and where his ex-wife and daughter still live, a woman’s body has been found in a reservoir. The victim is a young Hispanic woman and the recovery of her purse reveals a picture of her and a baby girl, possibly her daughter. A disturbing racially charged note is also found in her purse. Where is the child and is she alive? Is this a crime of passion or a hate crime? As a Latino himself, Vega knows how hard it can be to fit into the community but the influx of undocumented immigrants has further widened the divide of haves and have-nots in Lake Holly. Vega soon finds himself crossing paths with old acquaintances in unforeseen ways. He is also called upon to face hard truths about himself and his own family as he investigates the killing. Populated with well developed characters Land of Careful Shadows is more than just a police procedural. The keen insights into race relations, undocumented immigrants as well as Police relations with community members, makes this mystery a timely and important read. Readers will find themselves hoping to hear more from Chazin and her skillfully drawn detective Vega.
October 16, 2016
It is seldom that a thriller addresses current social issues with any validity, but this one, written in 2014, is weirdly prescient to one of the ugliest issues of the 2016 election: illegal immigration.
A young woman illegally in the country is found drowned in a lake in New York State. There is evidence to prove she didn't go into the lake willingly. Local police are caught in a conundrum. There are a lot of illegals in their town, and a lot of ill will towards them. It doesn't seem much of a stretch to suspect murder.
One of the detectives is Jimmy Vega, an Hispanic man born in the USA who grew up in this small town and experienced racism as a child. He is caught between these two worlds, a problem exacerbated by the fact his daughter is in love with an undocumented teenager.
The author is immensely skilled at portraying the depth of these characters' personalities. You empathize with the incredible struggle to survive that brings them to this town. You learn their backstories and begin to care about them.
I found the entire book heartbreaking, but I couldn't put it down. I'm really looking forward to reading volumes 2 & 3 of this series.
A young woman illegally in the country is found drowned in a lake in New York State. There is evidence to prove she didn't go into the lake willingly. Local police are caught in a conundrum. There are a lot of illegals in their town, and a lot of ill will towards them. It doesn't seem much of a stretch to suspect murder.
One of the detectives is Jimmy Vega, an Hispanic man born in the USA who grew up in this small town and experienced racism as a child. He is caught between these two worlds, a problem exacerbated by the fact his daughter is in love with an undocumented teenager.
The author is immensely skilled at portraying the depth of these characters' personalities. You empathize with the incredible struggle to survive that brings them to this town. You learn their backstories and begin to care about them.
I found the entire book heartbreaking, but I couldn't put it down. I'm really looking forward to reading volumes 2 & 3 of this series.
November 23, 2014
This mystery had me sucked in from the first page.Homicide detective Jimmy Vega is sent to Lake Holly,his hometown,to investigate the death of a Latino woman found in a reservoir.Her purse is found nearby with the photo of a woman and a baby in it...and also a note which reads"Go back to your country.You don't belong here." Lake Holly has a large population of undocumented immigrants looking for a better life.To many of the residents they are unwelcome and unwanted.Vega remembers the discrimination he experienced as a teenager in this town and has some unpleasant memories of his life there.Along with trying to solve the mystery of the dead woman's identity and who killed her the police must also locate the baby to make sure she is safe.This was a powerful story,full of drama and speaks to current issues.It is moving and involving with great characters and surprising twists.I really enjoyed it and recommend it.
February 11, 2016
This is such an important book. I think if more people knew and understood the desperation that leads immigrants to come here without documentation, facing death or arrest and deportation. Once they are here they are treated horribly and most lead miserable lives. They miss their families, they are forced to work for slave wages so they live in extreme poverty and they are abused by other immigrants, as well as the citizens of this country. I thought it was interesting the difference 25 years can make. Our attitudes have become so mean-spirited and the worst of us prey upon the immigrants. It seems most Americans have forgotten that we are all immigrants or descendants of immigrants. Please read this book so you will have more insight into the lives of the undocumented. I love mysteries and that is what lead me to this book and it will keep you guessing until the end over "who done it".
December 6, 2014
A timely exploration of the immigration crisis in our country that moves beyond politics and boarders to examine the impact on people’s lives. Set in a small suburban town LAND OF CAREFUL SHADOWS highlights the discrepancy between the haves and have-nots and those who straddle the divide. Suzanne Chazin’s characters are complex yet sympathetic. Her writing is engaging and provocative. Recommended!
February 5, 2015
The mystery was NOT what I liked most about this story, but rather the detailed description of the lives of the undocumented in upper New York state. The risks these workers are willing to take to improve the lives of their loved ones in Guatamala, San Salvador, and other poor countries is amazing. These people are portrayed with compassion, realism and the author's actual experience with this population. The mystery was engaging and a great vehicle for telling the story.
November 5, 2021
First a compliment rarely given. The cover art for this book jumps off the shelf at the reader full-sized, and is just as compelling as a thumbnail. Bravo.
This is a first-in-a-series, introducing Puerto Rican detective Jimmy Vega. He’s Bronx-born and -raised, but spent his teen years in a small upstate New York town where his mom relocated for her job. The Hispanic population of Lake Holly is largely immigrants and their first-generation-American children, most illegal. They are the manual and household labor which makes well-heeled life possible for the white community. This white community includes Jimmy’s high school sweetheart (with her activist lawyer husband and their adopted Hispanic daughter). It also includes Jimmy’s teen daughter and his Jewish ex (remarried to someone her family approves of). Can you say personal issues? How about cultural identity crisis?
Jimmy is temporarily reassigned to Lake Holly to assist on a homicide. A Hispanic female has been found after her dead body was sunk in a lake. All signs point to her having a daughter. This ups the stakes for Jimmy, reminding him of a little girl he couldn’t save while he worked undercover.
The story is also told from the perspectives of the Harvard-educated, female, Hispanic lawyer who runs the La Casa community center, and one of La Casa’s illegal immigrant clients who was the sometimes lover of the victim and is now the prime suspect.
Two-thirds of the way through, a new clue completely redirects the investigation. But readers who think they have it worked out will have to keep going, because clues keep dropping till the last 30 pages and the solution is complex. In other words, masterful plotting.
Without being heavy-handed, there is social commentary and an education on south-of-the-border immigration policy. There are beautiful reveals and an evolution of Jimmy as both a father and a romantic partner. We also meet Jimmy’s assigned cop “partner,” who grows in subtlety and earns the reader’s respect as the story goes on.
“Practically perfect in every way” (to quote Mary Poppins) with two sequels to make a gift set for yourself or your favorite mystery fan.
This is a first-in-a-series, introducing Puerto Rican detective Jimmy Vega. He’s Bronx-born and -raised, but spent his teen years in a small upstate New York town where his mom relocated for her job. The Hispanic population of Lake Holly is largely immigrants and their first-generation-American children, most illegal. They are the manual and household labor which makes well-heeled life possible for the white community. This white community includes Jimmy’s high school sweetheart (with her activist lawyer husband and their adopted Hispanic daughter). It also includes Jimmy’s teen daughter and his Jewish ex (remarried to someone her family approves of). Can you say personal issues? How about cultural identity crisis?
Jimmy is temporarily reassigned to Lake Holly to assist on a homicide. A Hispanic female has been found after her dead body was sunk in a lake. All signs point to her having a daughter. This ups the stakes for Jimmy, reminding him of a little girl he couldn’t save while he worked undercover.
The story is also told from the perspectives of the Harvard-educated, female, Hispanic lawyer who runs the La Casa community center, and one of La Casa’s illegal immigrant clients who was the sometimes lover of the victim and is now the prime suspect.
Two-thirds of the way through, a new clue completely redirects the investigation. But readers who think they have it worked out will have to keep going, because clues keep dropping till the last 30 pages and the solution is complex. In other words, masterful plotting.
Without being heavy-handed, there is social commentary and an education on south-of-the-border immigration policy. There are beautiful reveals and an evolution of Jimmy as both a father and a romantic partner. We also meet Jimmy’s assigned cop “partner,” who grows in subtlety and earns the reader’s respect as the story goes on.
“Practically perfect in every way” (to quote Mary Poppins) with two sequels to make a gift set for yourself or your favorite mystery fan.
January 21, 2018
A couple of mysteries rolled into one about a dead immigrant women found in a reservoir and her missing baby. Dectective Jimmy Vega is on the case and works hard to uphold justice and balance his relationship with the women in his life from his ex-wife and daughter to his first love and the lawyer working at the immigrant center. I was blindsided by the ending and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
July 20, 2022
A new series that highlights the undocumented in the United States - in upper New York State. Vega is a Hispanic police officer, assigned to an investigation in Lake Holly. An interesting plot, with several turns and twists , and the start of a new series. Well done.
January 15, 2023
Prejudice, particularly prejudice against immigrants, is a significant theme in this book. The victim is an illegal immigrant, but Jimmy Vega wasn't going to bury the case.
This book takes place in a small town in upstate New York, and the characters tend to be inter-related in some way. For example, Linda, who is originally mentioned as Vega's girlfriend when he was a teenager, turns out to be significant to the plot because she's married to a major character.
Since a quinceanera is a plot event, I learned more about this Latino equivalent to a Jewish bar/bat mitzvah. I knew that it happens when a Latino girl turns fifteen. I looked up the origin of the quinceanera and discovered that it originated from ancient practices of the cultures of Latin America which means that it's a good deal older than the bar mitzvah for boys which wasn't practiced widely among Jews until the 17th century.
I was interested in author Chazin's idea that an accident is the opposite of murder because a murder is planned, but an accident is sudden. Land of Careful Shadows contains both deliberate murder and a pivotal accident that seem to both bookend the storyline, and upend it. I was satisfied with the ending. When I got to that point, it seemed fated. The opposites complemented each other.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
This book takes place in a small town in upstate New York, and the characters tend to be inter-related in some way. For example, Linda, who is originally mentioned as Vega's girlfriend when he was a teenager, turns out to be significant to the plot because she's married to a major character.
Since a quinceanera is a plot event, I learned more about this Latino equivalent to a Jewish bar/bat mitzvah. I knew that it happens when a Latino girl turns fifteen. I looked up the origin of the quinceanera and discovered that it originated from ancient practices of the cultures of Latin America which means that it's a good deal older than the bar mitzvah for boys which wasn't practiced widely among Jews until the 17th century.
I was interested in author Chazin's idea that an accident is the opposite of murder because a murder is planned, but an accident is sudden. Land of Careful Shadows contains both deliberate murder and a pivotal accident that seem to both bookend the storyline, and upend it. I was satisfied with the ending. When I got to that point, it seemed fated. The opposites complemented each other.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
February 29, 2016
Last month I read book 2 in this series, not realizing it was a series. *grin* So now I'm making it right by reading book 1. The great thing about this series from Chazin is that while the books are a series they can also be read separately and the reader doesn't feel like they are missing something, at least not in the first 2 books.
In this title, the one in which we are introduced to Detective Jimmy Vega, a young woman is found dead in a reservoir. Vega and his assigned partner, Greco, start to try and find leads to who this woman is and why she was killed. In their town this proves to be easier said than done. With a large population of undocumented people nobody wants to be found or known for fear of deportation so uncovering the identity of anyone is tough, making solving a crime even harder. Eventually Greco and Vega find enough loose threads to pull at and begin to unravel the mystery but not without some surprises along the way.
Chazin incorporates into her Vega series the plights of undocumented people in the United States, humanizing them instead of just grouping them together as a non-descript people. There is always much more to the story than what you think you see or know and Chazin is using her fiction to make that point. I really appreciate it.
May 27, 2015
This was a Goodreads win for me. I think I may have found a new favorite author. This was a story of a small town's dark secrets and also the world and dilemma's immigrants encounter in our world. Quite an eye opener for me, even though the story was fictional. The author has a wonderful way of integrating truth into a story and I could not put the book down. Life is not always a happy ending and certainly parts of this story did not have a happy ending, but it was reality and it was life - I can appreciate that. Very well written and I look forward to reading another book by Suzanne Chazin!
December 29, 2014
I selected Land of Careful Shadows because I have enjoyed reading Suzanne Chazin's other books. This book was interesting and well written. I read it in two days. Once Chazin set the stage and I got to know her characters, I couldn't put the book down. The book has lots of twists and turns and rich characters. I didn't realize how complicated life becomes for the undocumented. I understand much research went into the accuracy of their lives ... I commend her for telling their story. I'd highly recommend the book to anyone who likes good writing, rich characters and an interesting plot. I didn't want the book to end.
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