Revenge Finds a Home mixing past and present in Newfoundland
Review of the novel Revenge Finds a Home by Bill Coultas
Bob Lynch, a fictional Irish detective who immigrates to modern Newfoundland and Labrador, is assigned to an intriguing murder case at the start of Revenge Finds A Home. Within this case, he finds a string of murders connected through a type of stone used in the weaponry, one Lynch discovers is only accessible to the Indigenous people of Newfoundland and Labrador. He finds himself quickly immersed in this case, obsessing over every detail.
The novel also follows the related story set 180 years earlier, of Bob Lynch’s Irish ancestor Peter Lynch, who in 1820 escaped from a rough English fishing boat and fled inland to Newfoundland, where he was rescued by Beothuk people. During his time there, he wrote a detailed memoir, in which his descendent, detective Bob Lynch, finds strange connections to his current case.
Revenge Finds a Home by Bill Coultas tells the story from Bob Lynch’s perspective, frequently incorporating Peter Lynch’s memoir, allowing the reader to weave both stories together. The seamless integration of Peter Lynch’s memoir within the main storyline adds depth and complexity, offering a glimpse into the past that enriches the present-day investigation.
Through Peter Lynch’s memoir, Coultas takes readers on a fascinating journey back to the 1820s, and the delicate balance between the European settlers and the Beothuk. The historical context is well integrated into the narrative, providing a deeper understanding of the motivations and actions of the characters. Coultas’s research is evident in the authenticity of the settings, dialogue, and cultural nuances, enhancing the overall reading experience.
One minor critique I have is that some of the transitions between Peter’s and Bob’s perspectives felt too abrupt. It would have been beneficial to have smoother transitions to indicate the shifts in perspective. However, this minor issue did not significantly affect the overall reading experience.
Something that I really enjoyed was the attention to detail concerning the murder case. It made the case feel very realistic, and the slow unfolding of clues and interviews gives the reader something to remain curious about, captivating them. The clues were not too obvious or repetitive, furthering the reader’s interest in cracking the case.
Overall, this book was incredibly captivating, drawing the reader in from the first minute. It was an amazing blend of historical fiction and mystery. With its attention to detail, vivid imagery, and thought-provoking exploration of revenge, it leaves readers eager to uncover the truth alongside detective Bob Lynch.
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