Review by BookreviewerSM -- Tidal Pools by Robert Marier

[BookreviewerSM]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Tidal Pools" by Robert Marier.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Tidal Pools by Robert Marier is a story that begins of a now 78 year-old man named Charles who grew up in the surrounding area of Berry Island, Maine. Charles returned as a grandfather of three welcoming them to the area of memories that remain. While showing his grandchildren the beautiful area, who were growing up in a city, he tells a story of him going duck hunting as a teen where he had met someone special. Charles introduced a man named Henry who ended up saving his life one terrifying day and became friends with the man and his wife. Charles spent many days with the adult couple until he left for college to pursue a career in law.

Just after graduating, Charles was reading the newspaper and there was an article reporting a body of a lobsterman found near the Island. As Charlie read on, to his astonishment, the article implicated Henry as the prime suspect in the murder. Charles was confused and shocked not understanding how someone like Henry could be accused of such a horrific crime. Especially a man who had saved his own life many years prior. Charles felt the need to do something to help prove Henry's innocence because, in Charles's mind, the police are accusing the wrong person. Henry, a black man in a white dominated community being charged with murder raises many questions. Will Henry be able to get a good lawyer? What about Henry getting a fair trial? As Charlie was feeling overwhelmed with all the unknown, he knew he had to help however he can. Even after all those years that have passed, Charles wanted to give back and it was his turn to help Henry in this unfortunate situation. But how? 

Charles met with Henry and offered to help explaining that just with graduating recently, Charles would not be able to take the case but Henry was not having it. Henry, being a black man and untrustworthy of others, only wanted Charles to represent him. Miraculously, Charles finds a way to take on the case receiving support from others including a retired Judge. While Charles begins to work on this case, he meets his now wife who is also with him and the grandchildren as he tells his story of Henry. Charles’ grandchildren were astonished of how the two met while working on the case to clear his friend Henry from murder.  

This book has a grip on you with the question of whether or not Henry had committed the murder. You initially think that a kind hearted man like Henry would never do such a thing but while the developments occur of the unsettling interactions that Henry and the victim had, made the case that it could be possible. With Henry's slashed tires, and damage to his boat, is it possible that Henry was pushed too far? Maybe Henry ended up retaliating against someone who was racist towards him. Maybe it was self-defense? Could it be a set-up as there were multiple witnesses coming forward after seeing the two men in many public disputes? To make things more complicated, there is a conspiracy regarding the district attorney with trying to win the case for political gain with no consideration that the suspect (Henry) may actually be innocent creating an ethical dilemma of convicting an innocent man. There were so many questions raised that motivated me, as a reader, to continue on and learn the truth.

What I liked about this book is how well written and how easy it was to follow each mini story within the main tale. I rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars as the book was well edited having only found one grammatical error. Taking into consideration of the crime genre, this book would be preferably acceptable for ages of early teens and up. There is no vulgar language or erotic scenes. For those who like crime mystery, this book is for you.

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Tidal Pools
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[deborahveader]

Great review......This sounds like a great book. I have to add it to my "to read" list.

[Claire Riddle]

I really want to read this book. Thanks for the detailed review.

[Rabia Farooq]

You've provided a very detailed review. Id really love to figure out this mystery.

[Zainabreadsnow]

This sounds very intriguing. I can imagine fans of Sherlock finding this book very appealing! Thank you for the review!

[BookreviewerSM]

Great review......This sounds like a great book. I have to add it to my "to read" list.

thank you! Definitely add to your shelf, you won't be disappointed

[BookreviewerSM]

I really want to read this book. Thanks for the detailed review.

thank you! You won't be disappointed

[BookreviewerSM]

You've provided a very detailed review. Id really love to figure out this mystery.

thank you! You won't be disappointed

[BookreviewerSM]

This sounds very intriguing. I can imagine fans of Sherlock finding this book very appealing! Thank you for the review!

thank you! Definitely agree, nothing like a good mystery