REVIEW - Backlash Blues ebook

Backlash Blues (Gabriel Præst series #2) by Amulya Malladi (ebook)

OVERVIEW

Full disclosure, this is not the first or will be the last book that I read by this author. I enjoy her books immensely especially this foray into a completely new genre of mystery thriller.

This is the second book in the Gabriel Præst series by Amulya Malladi. The series is enjoyable as the characters, location, and plot are very fun and entertaining! It is not your typical mystery thriller at all. 

This novel takes place in the current time beginning with Gabriel Præst, a Private Detective, being asked to investigate an employee's death by the Human Resource Director from Copenhagen Bank. Then the novel takes off quickly and intensely in many directions and keeps one guessing until the very end.  

Since this novel takes place primarily in Copenhagen, it makes me really want to visit Denmark. The city, restaurants, people, and landmarks sound wonderful. The Danish culture totally aligns with my personal world and life views. However, it does show that even in forward-thinking Denmark, sexual harassment and corruption occur. There is a lot of work still to do everywhere. 

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars

Writing: 4.0 stars

The writing was good, but at times it felt off because of the Danish and English languages interplay. It didn't flow well as the combination of English and Danish combined with the descriptions of designer clothing, wine, and restaurants bogged it down a bit. Yes, the main character, Gabriel Præst, is totally into the better things in life, but it could be scaled back and still define his character beautifully. Also, the alphabet soup of Danish police organizations got confusing just like the American ones do.

The pacing was insane. I was so anxious to find out what happened at the end of the book. I actually almost finished the book before midnight last night, but I knew that I would not sleep after finishing it so I completed it this morning. That is the sign of a good book!

Character development: 4.5 stars

The main character is Gabriel Præst who is one of my favorite characters ever. I love his loyalty, non-judgment, and concern for the people in his life. I would be thrilled to have him as a neighbor and friend! Gabriel is a former Copenhagen police detective who is well-connected with powerful, diverse, and trustworthy friends. 

The secondary characters are Gabriel's good friends who range from a rich banker's daughter to the Copenhagen Police Chief to a motorcycle gang member. A very eclectic group of friends and characters support this story. 

The tertiary characters are the "bad guys", various American and Danish police organization folks, and journalists/bankers trying to get to the nefarious reason for the death of the Copenhagen Bank employee. 

Storyline:  4.0 stars

This was an intense and wild ride of a storyline. The main plot is about the investigation of the employee's death, but it goes in a lot of varied directions bringing in more and more "bad guys". But, it does have a balance with "good guys" appearing from a lot of unexpected places. 

It was interesting to learn more about Danish culture and the country as a whole. There is a big sub-plot about the Danish banking industry acquiring Belarusian and other Baltic banks which sounds like a recipe for disaster, if true.  

The main locations were Denmark specifically Copenhagen and New York City.     

Memorable/Informative:  4.0 stars

The biggest takeaway is that women are sexually abused in every country even in the most progressive of egalitarian countries. Shameful and sad. 

Book cover: 4.0 stars

Nice.

Book title: 5.0 stars 

A really GREAT title. 

DEFINITE recommend

EBOOK DETAILS

From the author's newsletter ARC (ebook)

Backlash Blues (Gabriel Præst series #2) by Amulya Malladi 

377 pages 

Nordic Noir Publishing or self-published (unable to verify)

Release date of 02/26/2024

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Amulya Malladi

My Goodreads review

Happy reading! 📚

Dorothea 💜