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Thomas Curry and Sandrine Cadette Curry #3
Act of Faith
When the witty, sophisticated New York couple Thomas and Sandrine Curry accompany their friend Theodore Furst on a trip to Burundi in 1963, their plans for a leisurely photo safari give way to diplomatic intrigue, romantic complications, and murder.
After they spot guerilla fighters through their viewfinder and witness a military ambush, Thomas and Sandy are escorted from their campsite to a rural inn. That night, gunshots destroy any hope of One of the guests has been killed in his room, and Sandy sees the suspect flee on foot. Believing that the Currys are an important source of clues, local authorities draw them into what seems to be a simple murder investigation. But in the secretive, politically charged world of postcolonial Africa, Thomas and Sandy are slow to trust anyone - even each other. When they attempt to explore connections between the murder and the ambush, they suddenly find themselves in real danger, and only Theodore's unflagging support can help the quick-thinking, feisty sleuths in their race to solve the most challenging case of their lives.
After they spot guerilla fighters through their viewfinder and witness a military ambush, Thomas and Sandy are escorted from their campsite to a rural inn. That night, gunshots destroy any hope of One of the guests has been killed in his room, and Sandy sees the suspect flee on foot. Believing that the Currys are an important source of clues, local authorities draw them into what seems to be a simple murder investigation. But in the secretive, politically charged world of postcolonial Africa, Thomas and Sandy are slow to trust anyone - even each other. When they attempt to explore connections between the murder and the ambush, they suddenly find themselves in real danger, and only Theodore's unflagging support can help the quick-thinking, feisty sleuths in their race to solve the most challenging case of their lives.
196 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
5 people want to read
About the author
Michael Bowen
19 books6 followersLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 5, 2025
The Goodreads description is pretty accurate without giving too many spoilers. Burundi is a country I'd barely heard of (maybe not *ever* heard of) and was surprised and pleased to find this mystery offering.
This is ostensibly Theodore Furst's telling of the events. As such, some of this is in first person. Most, however, is in third person because Furst is not on the scene when most of the events happen. What struck me early on and throughout was the occasional very dry humor, which is exactly the kind of written humor that pleases me. As I thought about this, I suspect there are a few who would call it corny. The Prologue from Furst starts it off, both as to the book and to the humor: The fact that Thomas and Sandrine Curry were at that moment less than fifty miles away was not my fault. I’m rather sensitive on the point, so let’s get it straight right away.
From this prologue, we know there will be a murder and we are told who is the perpetrator. So why an investigation? For me, this was a very interesting case. The investigators, as usual, were much more perceptive than I was. So good plot. The writing is also good. I'm not quite sure about the characterizations, but there was nothing particularly flat or off about them.
The Curry's had a spat about halfway through due to Thomas' behavior at a diplomatic gathering. Afterward, when Thomas defended himself, Sandy Curry spouted off. “Of course you had every right to do so. I have every right to eat popcorn for breakfast. The fact that you have a right to do something does not necessarily make it a sensible thing to do.” I quote this, because it has so much truth for so many rights - protests, speech, and other things going on today.
I'm unlikely to pick up another by the author. I think that is because I already have so many books already on hand and so many books I've put on my over-burdened wish list. Were either of those situations different I'd be tempted because I liked this 4-stars worth.
This is ostensibly Theodore Furst's telling of the events. As such, some of this is in first person. Most, however, is in third person because Furst is not on the scene when most of the events happen. What struck me early on and throughout was the occasional very dry humor, which is exactly the kind of written humor that pleases me. As I thought about this, I suspect there are a few who would call it corny. The Prologue from Furst starts it off, both as to the book and to the humor: The fact that Thomas and Sandrine Curry were at that moment less than fifty miles away was not my fault. I’m rather sensitive on the point, so let’s get it straight right away.
From this prologue, we know there will be a murder and we are told who is the perpetrator. So why an investigation? For me, this was a very interesting case. The investigators, as usual, were much more perceptive than I was. So good plot. The writing is also good. I'm not quite sure about the characterizations, but there was nothing particularly flat or off about them.
The Curry's had a spat about halfway through due to Thomas' behavior at a diplomatic gathering. Afterward, when Thomas defended himself, Sandy Curry spouted off. “Of course you had every right to do so. I have every right to eat popcorn for breakfast. The fact that you have a right to do something does not necessarily make it a sensible thing to do.” I quote this, because it has so much truth for so many rights - protests, speech, and other things going on today.
I'm unlikely to pick up another by the author. I think that is because I already have so many books already on hand and so many books I've put on my over-burdened wish list. Were either of those situations different I'd be tempted because I liked this 4-stars worth.
Displaying 1 of 1 review