Book Review: The Concrete Maze

Reviewed By: Pat Reid - RAM

The Concrete Maze     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Steven Torres
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Hard Boiled   Noir
Dorchester Publishing Co. Inc., 2007, pps.284

When Tio Luis comes knocking his nephew can do nothing else but obey. Tio Luis’ daughter Jasmine is missing and Tio Luis is set on finding her. His nephew is going to ride shotgun whether he wants to or not.

Yes, there are guns involved and plenty of violence in the search for Jasmine. Jasmine is only 13 but is beginning to look like a beautiful young woman. Tio Luis dropped her off at The Skate Key where all the young people hang out. Jasmine left with a young man and Tio Luis and his nephew are having problems not only locating this man but identifying him.

The police don’t seem to show much interest in the case so it seems that Tio Luis and his nephew are on their own. Tio and his nephew soon find out that there is a ring of men that deal in drugs and prostitution and that Jasmine is just one more girl to drug and make money from.

None of this group would have ever thought that Tio Luis was a man that would not quit until he found his daughter. Tio runs into a lot of interference and violence but that doesn’t stop him and his nephew who is at his side all the way – sometimes reluctantly but always there.

This is a tragic story of a promising young girl who because she flirted with the wrong person winds up in a horrible, desperate situation.

The book is excitement every step of the way. I loved the characters and the way the family held together even if in the worst circumstances.

I am glad I had the opportunity to read this book and look forward to reading many more by Steven Torres.

Pat Reid - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Pat Reid - RAM