Book Review: A Deadly Exchange

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

A Deadly Exchange     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Sheryl Jane Stafford
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller
Writer's Showcase; 2001; $17.95; 353pp
Classification: Adult fiction (thriller)

Matthew Spencer and his wife Alexandra are sailing in the Bahamas, relaxing and enjoying their life. However, they do not know that drugs have been planted on their boat. When the drug lords come looking to get their merchandise back, Matt and Alex are thrown into a nightmare that only gets worse.

'A Deadly Exchange' is a very easy read. Stafford uses short chapters to keep a fast pace and the plot moves on quickly. Her characters are developed, but the ending leaves the story open enough to allow her the possibility of writing a sequel, or at least using these characters again.

The author includes a variety of Spanish words and phrases to add authenticity to the characters and it is clear that Stafford has visited the Bahamas herself, and sailed. She portrays the islands as a lawless, dangerous area, yet still with a most attractive beauty. It is an intriguing setting and one that has potential to be developed even further.

On a negative note, the ending comes too quickly. It was built up in the closing pages of the novel, only to arrive with a whimper rather than a bang, leaving loose ends and a sense of being unfulfilled. It would have been worth adding one or two more chapters in order to play out the ending in more depth. Other than this, 'A Deadly Exchange' is a pleasure to read.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
http://lukecroll.translatorscafe.com