Reviewed by Women Using Women
The details…
- Title : Sunshine and Blood: A Noir Tale
- Author : Roxie Randall
- Publisher : Independent author and publisher
- Publication date : April 28, 2023
- Available formats : ebook
- File size : 1204 KB
- Print length : 207 pages
- Genre : mystery
- Themes : murder, crime, good vs evil, politics, women loving women
The blurb from the publisher…
A noir tale set Miami, 1952.
Lola Riley wants only two things from life: to make a fast buck and to keep out of trouble. But when she runs into the beautiful socialite Miranda Garcia, she soon finds one may not come without the other.
A valuable book has been stolen and Miranda needs help getting it back. She’s not the kind of woman who takes no for an answer and she’s set her sights firmly on the rough-and-ready Lola. For her part, Lola can’t help but be attracted to Miranda but can she trust her?
When the bodies begin to pile up, Lola soon finds herself out of her depth, with corrupt cops gunning for her and others in the city ruthlessly searching for the book.
Soon all Lola wants is a way out.
My thoughts…
Sunshine and Blood is a tale noir that involves the gritty and bleak side of Miami, circa 1952. Despite its dark themes— crime, violence and unethical police work—this tale noir is an engaging read for many reasons. First of all, it presents a complex plot that keeps readers guessing until the end. With twists and turns that challenge the readers’ assumptions, the storytelling is most thrilling to follow. Additionally, the morally ambiguous characters in this story have the depth and complexity that’s needed to draw readers in and hold them tight. They are neither purely good nor purely evil, but rather a mixture of both. This makes them relatable and interesting to readers who appreciate the complexities of human nature. Finally, the immersive story world of Sunshine and Blood is completely captivating. The dark and brooding side of urban mid-century life creates a sense of tension and danger that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, this tale resonates solidly with readers; it’s a good, old fashioned whodunnit with tons of appeal.
Final remarks…
Sunshine and Blood contains an intricate and unpredictable plot that keeps readers engaged until the very end. Though it’s a slow build, the seedy and crime-ridden streets of Miami transport readers to a world that is both familiar and foreign. These dual aspects heighten the tension and unease in the storytelling, creating something that’s quite page turning. It’s hard to believe Randall only has a few books under her belt; readers will spend much of their time delighted with her ability to weave a thrilling narrative. There’s no doubt she can provide them with a story that sparks interest as well as entertainment. My only caution to readers would be this: Prepare to overlook typos. It doesn’t get in the way, it just rears its ugly head from time to time. That being said, I plan to keep track of this new author.
Strengths…
- Well-conceived
- Well-told
- Engaging
- Nicely development characters
- Immersive story world
- Worth the read
This book is available from…
A bit about the author…
To paraphrase Churchill, Roxie Randall is a riddle wrapped in bacon inside a pie. She’s also a slightly deranged author (and devoted reader) of sapphic fiction, mixing it up between historical romance, mythological tales, gritty suspense and supernatural thrillers. Follow the links below to learn more about Roxie’s work.
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