A Prison in the Sun is the third book I've read, also the third book in author Isobel Blackthorn's series, Canary Island Mysteries. One of the aspects I most like about her writing is the way Blackthorn embeds such beautifully descriptive scenery among multiple story-lines, weaving together a tale that can be fully immersive and quite the vivid experience.
In this novel, Trevor, a mid-thirties divorced writer, has taken a trip to the Canary Islands to pen his own book; he's tired of writing for other authors or blogs. It's time he had his own success. His bestie, Angela, helps from afar, and when Trevor discovers a sack of money near the beach, he feels compelled to learn where it came from... except, a body washes up ashore, and it appears a drug deal might've gone poorly. At the same time, he's met a lovely couple who are helping him acclimate to the island. During his explorations, Trevor learns about the building he's staying in, particularly how it once housed gay men in a plot by the government to fix them for their deviant behavior. Alternating between contemporary times and historical events, readers learn just what happened in this awful place, who was murdered, and what Trevor does and doesn't know about it!
If you've never been to these islands (I haven't) and you can't easily get there, just read this series. It'll feel like you are surrounded by everything they have to offer. I still think you should go, but this is what might convince you to make the trip... barring the murders and deaths in the books, as that's just all wonderful story. Blackthorn's writing talents clearly jump off the pages with beautiful narrative, calming or alarming descriptions, and well-drawn characters. Though the plot in this one is rather straightforward and minimalist, it is a good thing... readers navigate her pages while getting sucked into the lovely background and before you know it, the story explodes into something quite clever.
There is a scene with chickens that is quite frightening, and it evokes anger over what some people do to others because of their beliefs. Blackthorn delicately handles the homosexuality theme in many scenes, shares poignant passages between several friends, showcases the growing lust one man begins to feel, and helps create a fine line between reality and imagination. The balance is very strong in terms of delivering a punch and a softness in all the right moments, letting readers feel the pain without being told all the details. I am curious to learn more of Jose and Trevor's stories, as I feel like there's a lot still unsaid. It's great when an author makes you want to read more of her work. Looking forward to a 4th in the series (if there is one) and if not, reading another one of her works.
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Top reviews from other countries
Mrs Penny Jones
Good read until the end
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 17, 2021
Lecari
Interesting story - part historical fiction, part mystery, part personal awakening
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 19, 2020Amazon Customer
This melange of history, modern day, horror, tragedy and mystery, works so wonderfully well…
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 25, 2020
Diana Jackson
A novel which has a message the world should know
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 30, 2020