Black and Blue Book Review

 

Jon Frederick reprises his role as the neurotic obsessive protagonist in Weber's newest book, “Black and Blue.” Weber writes credible mysteries of true crimes set in Minnesota. He skillfully weaves relevant information and characters from his previous books into the current book.

“Black and Blue” is an action-packed thriller novel filled with intrigue, suspense, and a cat and mouse guessing game of motives trying to identify who is the actual killer. Questions arise as the case develops and will law reinforcement be able to justify their means to the end. Each chapter seamlessly switches to a new perspective narrated by a different character sustaining interest for the reader as events unfold simultaneously. At times, a myriad of characters with a series of investigative clues do challenge the reader to remain attentive to the story as new clues and characters are introduced.

“Black and Blue” is a true story of a sexual assault case where the investigation focuses on finding the killer of 19-year-old Sadie Sullivan. The story is framed with the backdrop of a modern Minneapolis. Weber makes social and political observations through his characters on what fuels and hampers crime investigations in the Minneapolis area as well as noting it's a city of divided politics.

The story begins with a chance meeting between Minneapolis Police Officer Xavier – Zave – Williams and Sadie that changed his life and ended hers. Zave joins Investigator Jon Frederick as a black and white team reopening a cold case that has a lot of contaminated evidence, questionable court decisions, and two opposing hardened suspects. The investigation is intense particularly when they have to confront a gang and a militia. Investigators are left to sort through the chaos, shootings, and political outrage to deliver justice to Sadie’s family. Sadie's fiance Bobby Long, a white police officer, and a black heavyweight boxer, Flamin’ Ray Fury, are two prime suspects.

For those who enjoy a mystery thriller filled with multi-dimensional characters, relevant events, suspense, and seeing justice served Weber's book is the perfect book choice. I found it to be an engaging and chilling tale that certainly kept my interest throughout the entire story.  Since Weber has given all his books two-word titles it will not surprise you that this new book is titled “Black and Blue.”

Frank Weber is a forensic psychologist who has completed assessments for homicide, sexual assault, and domestic abuse cases. He has testified as an expert witness in numerous sexual assault and homicide cases and written seven different treatment workbooks. Weber's qualifications give him a unique understanding of forensic profiles of predators' thought processes, and the trauma of victims. His background lends credibility to his writing as well as giving his characters authentic voices. Weber chooses stories to write about that he is familiar with, tapping into real-life experiences. Weber is all about family and community. He ties settings in all his books to actual places near his hometown of Pierz, Minnesota, St. Cloud, and the Twin Cities area.

Check out his website for information on his other books, upcoming book signing events, and presentations. 
frankweberauthor.com