Lisbon '41: Bookreview

 A Grapping detective

If you enjoy stories where history gently wraps itself around a finely-woven detective mystery, then Lisbon '41 by Malcolm Havard is an absolute gem waiting to be discovered. 

Malcolm Havard paints Lisbon with great care—one can almost smell the sea air and hear the footsteps on the cobbled streets of Alfama. The tension of a city holding its breath in wartime neutrality is ever-present, but it never overwhelms the quieter moments of introspection or the subtleties of character development.

What I appreciated most was the blend of atmosphere and authenticity. This isn't a frantic thriller with car chases and explosions—it’s something more refined. Lopes is a thoughtful and human protagonist, and his investigation unfolds with satisfying depth. The moral grey zones of 1940s politics add an extra layer of intrigue.

For readers of historical fiction who prefer their mysteries with substance and soul, Lisbon '41 is a standout. I truly enjoyed every page and look forward to reading more from this author. A wonderful introduction to a series with real promise.

Of cours I give a 5 star rating for this book! 

The Book

Format: 276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published: June 1, 2024

ASIN: B0D238L938

Language: English

Booktasters

As always, I want to thank Booktasters and the author for providing me with a free copy in return for my honest review—which I’ve gladly shared here. 

Source picture: Bookcover

Black, White, and Gray All Over: A Black Man's Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement

 A tough story

Summary

From shootouts and robberies to riding in cars with pimps and prostitutes,
Frederick Reynolds' early manhood experiences in Detroit, Michigan in the
1960s foretold a future on the wrong side of the prison bars. Frederick
grew up a creative and sensitive child but found himself lured down the same
path as many Black youth in that era. No one would have guessed he would
have a future as a cop in one of the most dangerous cities in America in the
1980s---Compton, California. From recruit to detective, Frederick
experienced a successful career marked by commendations and awards.
The traumatic and highly demanding nature of the work, however, took
its toll on both his family and personal life---something Frederick was
able to conquer but only after years of distress and regret.

My Review

What a tough story! It took so long because I wanted to read the complete
story to have a better idea of the book. However it grabs you and it takes you
into a journey of man. 

The book is fluently written and it has a fantastic character. I like the book
cover too. It also is very detailed, which I enjoy a lot. 

I recommend to read Black, White, and Gray All Over: A Black Man's
Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement because it's an interesting piece of
work and very well written! 

I give the book 5 stars but if I could I would give even more!

The author

The book is written by Frederick Douglass Reynolds and is available in
Amazon. 

Booktasters

I want to thank the author and Booktasters as well for providing me a free
copy in return of my honest review, which I did.