Below the Surface (4)

by Cynthia A. Graham

Hick Blackburn is falling apart. Last year, the world had been full of hope and promise after solving a murder and corruption case in nearby Broken Creek. Attorney Carol Quinn's uncle, the head of the Civil Rights Section of the Justice Department, had offered both Hick and Carol jobs in DC. Hick had a wife, two boys, and a baby on the way. Now, everything is different. It's as if hope and promise no longer exist. And then Quinn shows up again. This time, it's with a new case to solve and when Hick finds out his friend Father Grant is in the hospital and his church has been torched, he can't say no. But this time, corruption is the least of his problems.

250 pages, Paperback

Published March 10, 2020

Reviews

[Cynthia Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all five of this author’s books and I come away from each of them feeling like I’ve had an intimate look at what makes us human and what sets each of us apart from one another. Through Hick Blackburn, she gives us glimpses of painful pasts that can’t be outrun; they demand to be reexamined time and again, and the crimes Hick must solve inevitably bring his darkest moments to the surface, forcing him to fight down the pain of his mistakes while he seeks justice for innocents who have had their lives stolen from them. Over and over he finds himself cast as both sinner and avenger.

But Hick is not only battling demons from his past; he’s also devastated by the recent loss of his wife, the woman who saved him from despair and self-loathing and gave him two sons, losing her life during the birth of their daughter. He can barely get through each day and he has nothing left to give his boys.

Hick’s dragged out of his self-exile and self-loathing by the death of a Catholic priest, a man Hick knew and admired greatly. He reluctantly joins forces with Carol Quinn from the Justice Dept. to find out who is really responsible for the deaths of Father Grant and Carol’s coworker. Facing this unspeakable crime brings up more painful memories. But it also lets Hick use his skills and intelligence to solve the murders. And while doing this, he’s able to examine his own actions, put everything back into perspective and latch onto hope for a better future for himself and his sons.

[J. Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Graham has hit another home run. Hick (Hickory) Blackburn may be a backwoods sheriff but he's no hick. He possesses a sharp mind and various demons possess him -- the death of his beloved wife, haunting memories of his wartime experiences, and more. Once again he finds himself teaming up with DC attorney Carol Quinn to solve a murder -- in this case, two murders -- twined through with poverty, religion, corruption, and deceit. And there's a fair amount of theological wondering/exploration -- all very hospitable though, like a cold glass of Southern sweet tea on hot day.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well paced and loved the surprise.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid Hick Blackburn period mystery. The ending was crafted better than in the third outing. The investigation is a bit cerebral instead of evidence- or action-oriented, but that helps it feel a little different from the earlier entries without being TOO different.

[Madhuri Palaji · Rating 4 out of 5]

Below The Surface by Cynthia A. Graham is a very interesting mystery novel. The story is set in a small village where the leads of the book Hick and Carol come  to investigate the death of the local priest and a federal agent. 

Hick is already in deep pain after losing his wife and the baby on the way. It's like Hick totally lost hope, he even finds it difficult to spend time with his two sons. When Carol asks Hick to help her investigate the death of Kelly and torching down of the church, Hick accompanies her. The case is almost closed by the local police when Nicodemus Skaggs confesses to the crime. But, that is more to it.

The narration of the investigation is enthralling. Usually, after going through half the book, I pride myself of guessing the culprit. But this book did not give away a single hint and the final twist came as a total surprise. This book not only has a very interesting mystery, but also a very strong and deep emotion. The story transforms Hick towards the end. He finds hope again. 

There are many characters in the book that I connected with, like, Skaggs' eldest daughter, Carol, and Father Grant. A little love and care towards our fellow beings is much needed and it truly does wonders.

I received the advance reviewer copy of the book from Edelweiss Plus for an honest review. The book released on 10th Mar, 2020. I bet you all will be surprised by the climax twist. With so much fuss about going about Corona virus, I recommend you to grab this book and read away! 

[Pat Wahler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself quickly drawn into this well-written mystery set in Arkansas during the 1950's where poverty and religious intolerance are the flames that fuel the hunt for a murderer.
Recommended!