4 out of 4 stars
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Guardian of Deceit by William Coles is another of his fun books to excite readers. All of the main characters are brought to life in remarkably compelling style. The plot flows quickly, but ends too abruptly. This reader was left wanting more of the story.
Darwin, the main character, begins as an orphaned teenager, shipped off to live with an unknown relative. Luther, the highest paid football in the NFL, is his cousin/guardian. Sweeney Dale (picture Brittany Speers or Katy Perry) is the rock star girlfriend, blindly in love with Luther. She also becomes Darwin's closest friend.
The guardian withholds Darwin's allowance and inheritance, treats him as a servant, and forces him to work for his keep. But Darwin evolves (no pun intended) into a mature and respectable doctor and philanthropist. So is Luther a deceitful guardian? Or is he the real catalyst behind Darwin's ultimate focus and success in life?
Dr. Malverne, Darwin's mentor and father-in-law, is not above reproach. When he requests Darwin to help cover-up a medical malpractice, the boy refuses. But he becomes the guardian of deceit as he is never questioned about the case, and never reveals it. He is also the guardian of careless Luther's deceit in gambling, throwing football games, and gunfights. In addition he guards Luther's deceptions in a murder investigation and his adultery. Darwin never reveals Luther's major imperfections to Sweeney and Luther's Granny, protecting them both from the terrible truth.
Human nature is paramount in Darwin's relationship with Granny. His kindness and unwavering friendship to her eventually results in great rewards. When Granny passes away, her large fortune ($23 million- who knew?) is left to him. This inheritance is then donated to medical research, his philanthropic mission.
Cole's plot moves swiftly, with only some minor unnecessary detours. But the incomplete stories of Sweeney and Luther's marriage, as well as Luther's pending bankruptcy and prison terms, are left inconclusive. Likewise is the the complex romance of Lazlo and Bonita left up in the air.
From the beginning this reader expected the deceit to be the guardian stealing the inherited trust fund. However, the hero was Darwin, the guardian of all the other characters' deceits. This was a totally deceptive plot twist.
Professional editing was obvious in this clean, crisp novel. Despite unanswered sub-plots, Guardian of Deceit should be rated 4 out of 4 stars. Reading this book was an entertaining experience. This reader would happily read it again.
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Guardian of Deceit
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