***** Heart-stopping Mystery Review by Rox Burkey
Joe Congel’s latest addition to the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, “Catch a Tiger by the Toe,” is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. This gripping, cozy mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat and compel you to read late into the night, driven by a potent mix of intrigue, unexpected twists, and emotionally resonant characters.
Set in the quaint yet treacherous town of Magnolia Bluff, Texas, the narrative pivots around a series of horrifying murders targeting the town’s most vulnerable—children. Mr. Congel deftly creates an atmosphere of dread. The once serene town transforms into a landscape tinged with fear as the community grapples with its dark underbelly. This striking contrast highlights Congel’s exceptional world-building abilities. With their palpable connections and everyday struggles, the townspeople feel like real people living against the grim backdrop of continual tragedy.
Brandon Turner, a retired NYPD detective seeking solace in Magnolia Bluff after a tumultuous career, is at the heart of the story. His character is layered and relatable while he struggles to forge a new life, only to be drawn back into the tumult of investigation when a child goes missing. The depth of his characterization is one of Joe Congel’s most outstanding achievements. Turner is not a stereotypical hero, yet his fierce loyalty to the community and desire to protect the innocent propel him into action. Fans readily appreciate his evolving sense of duty.
Mr. Congel populates the mystery with various well-crafted supporting characters, each providing depth and insight into the community dynamics. The interactions between Turner and Chief of Police Tommy Jager, as well as Detective Reese Sovern, highlight small-town law enforcement battling against an unseen menace. Their relationships are tinged with camaraderie, frustration, and the shared burden of the community’s safety, showcasing their interpersonal dynamics.
The plot itself is a relentless rollercoaster with escalating tension as the reluctant hero uncovers playful and sinister clues, as the murderer uses an innocent children’s chant to taunt the authorities. This clever device adds a chilling layer to the narrative, contributing to a sense of impending doom. The turn of the page tantalizes readers with hints to keep them guessing until the superbly orchestrated reveal that is both surprising and satisfying.
The pacing throughout this stand-alone novel is impeccable. The story moves briskly, with each chapter ending in a way that compels readers to read one more before putting it down. “Catch a Tiger by the Toe” is highly recommended as a remarkable addition to Joe Congel’s renowned works and the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. Whether you are already a fan or new to his writing, this novel will captivate and entertain.
About the Author
Joe Congel grew up in Syracuse, NY, and currently lives in beautiful Charlotte, NC. He got his first break in the world of publishing when he illustrated the humorous book, Housetraining Your VCR, A Help Manual for Humans, published by Grapevine Publications back in the early ’90s.
A few years after Housetraining set the world on fire, Joe decided that he was better suited as a writer rather than as an artist, so he began crafting stories that allowed the reader to use their own imagination to add the visuals to the narrative.
Since he’s enjoyed reading murder mysteries and PI detective stories all his life, he felt he had a pretty good grasp on how to create an engaging character in the world of private detecting. DEAD IS FOREVER is the first book in the Razzman Mystery Crime Files series, featuring Tony Razzolito, PI. The book is set in Syracuse, NY, and Charlotte, NC, with upcoming books in the series concentrated more in and around the Charlotte area. Joe is uniquely qualified to write about both areas of the country since he lived in Syracuse for 36 years and Charlotte for the last 25 plus years.
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Blog: https://joecongelfictionstories.blogspot.com/
Email: jc.razzman@gmail.com
