ARA Review by mtnlvr71 of A Silver Medallion

[mtnlvr71]

[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, A Silver Medallion.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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A Silver Medallion by James R. Callan
Review

One Mighty Busy Lady

Whew! This Texas women really gets around and into more trouble than a gunny-bag of cats. Crystal Moore is a modern-day heroine, tough and savvy but with a heart for the downtrodden and an urgent desire to seek justice for the less fortunate and ultimately for herself.

Not all her trouble is intentional. After all, in her efforts to do good, she is bound to run into some opposition. First there is Mr. Blackwell, the rich Dallas philanthropist who covers his butt with generous contributions to the policemen's benevolent fund, while at the same time racking up billions in illegal enterprises. He manages to keep his hands clean by commanding a cadre of enforcers to carry out his orders. He is determined to extract revenge on our heroine who has gotten in his way. Time after time she barely manages to escape. One wonders how long she can keep this up before her luck runs out.

On one occasion the knife-wound intended for Crystal instead lands her roommate in the hospital in a coma.

Another dastardly crime boss is Jose, who has a well-fortified hacienda, deep in the remote regions of inland Mexico. The author’s description of a clandestine trip, in the dark of night, to Jose's place will send chills up and down your spine. Jose seems to have spies everywhere and widespread influence, bought and paid for with ill-gotten gains. Somehow Jose and Mr. Blackwell seem to be connected in their dirty enterprises of drug-running and human trafficking, among other things.

I especially loved the sweet little old granny, with a rolling pin for a weapon, who loved her granddaughter, Crystal, and missed her so much. Granny could whip up some good Southern grub in a jiffy. But, when the chips were down, granny never hesitated, never cracked a smile nor sweat a drop.

As the author of three novels about human-trafficking, I was very interested in reading someone else's take on it. This author focuses on the State of Texas' leaky southern border with Mexico. He portrays the trafficking of Mexican women and clearly explains how a woman could be held as an indentured servant without any apparent restraints. Fear alone keeps them in captivity. It becomes very clear how that works.

There were several places where the author could have ended the book. Instead we were treated to yet another narrow escape, reminiscent of “The Perils of Pauline.” The reader will get his/her money’s worth of excitement and adventure.

The author moves away from the main theme for a while to skillfully weave-in side stories. One has to do with the nefarious machinations that sometimes go on within the hallowed precincts of doctoral programs in universities.

Another side story is the colorful descriptions of vacation life in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, including names and menus of restaurants. The colorful street scenes are especially interesting to one who has never been to Mexico.

I rate this novel five stars out of five as a well-written, enjoyable read with educational benefits and for taking on a difficult subject.

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