Mystery in Mactown is book two in the Crescent Moon Chronicles by K. E. Robinson. From the very beginning, Robinson leaned into his strength by opening with a fight scene, which was compelling and exciting with vivid descriptions. In so doing, he draws you into the story while also answering some questions he created in the first book regarding one of the main protagonists, Julissa.

This book picked up right where the first book left off which can be a double-edged sword. In general, when books are sequential, they really enable those that are already familiar with the original book to get right into the plot as it develops. The reader knows the characters and story which allows the author the ability to accelerate the pacing of the plot, and build on their development of characters, plots and sub-plots. Regardless, there is enough references that one can read this book and get by without reading the first. However, I would recommend reading book one before this one, even though I found this book to be the stronger of the two.

Book 2 of the Crescent Moon Chronicles took all the strongest parts of book 1 and used it to develop a more cohesive story by fully embracing the crime drama. Robinson presented more fully developed characters whose motivations and relationships were relatable and believable in their dysfunction. With dualling plots that converge to give a gripping conclusion and “cliffhanger”, Mystery in Mactown is the potential of Crescent Moons realized. This book is engaging, dynamic and contains sufficient answers to questions raised in book 1 while inserting additional mysteries.

Robinson showed a defter hand in crafting this book. The dialogues between the characters were more authentic and flowed better. The creation of Victor’s speech and the description of his movement was imaginative. The introduction of additional characters to further enhance the plot by providing background to the protagonists of this book as well as creating auxiliary mysteries to facilitate the ‘Mooniverse’ was well thought out with nary a ‘filler’ character. The narrative was well paced, and the use of the flashback technique was not overdone or convoluted. The reveals were well timed and impressive.

Mystery of Mactown furthered the themes of Book 1 such as corruption, police brutality and infidelity while introducing new themes of familial love and dysfunction, mental health, vengeance, the role of religion and their roles in the development of society and the youth. All themes that are relevant to any society including one that is being created on paper. The exposition of these themes was subtle and intuitive to the plot. They were not dispensed from a preaching and judgmental tone although there were many an opportunity for such. Robinson showed a refinement of skill in the restraint he used to present these themes and that made for a better crafting of the book.

Robinson tightened his plots, characters and became more defined in the genre of the series and the story being told. Though the setting of New Orleans and its history of voodoo opens the door to some supernatural elements, the author was able to implement that within the crime drama and mystery without seeking to include the supplemental sci-fi genre which was the weaker portion of Book 1. The ‘supernatural’ components became part of the setting and more aligned with the characters thereby making the inclusion of these traits more authentic to the story when it is presented.

The author streamlined the story and the world it takes place in by clearly defining the genre and as a result diminishing any confusion that the reader may have. Robinson wrote an exciting crime drama mystery with ‘supernatural’ elements aligned with the location and setting.

I must say that while reading this book, I kept thinking that it would make an excellent graphic novel! The descriptions are so vivid and dynamic that I was able to ‘see’ each scene! Mystery in Mactown is a perfect middle book in the series as it delivered a more streamlined plot that answered questions from the previous book while providing drama and soliciting further intrigue. I anticipate continued growth with each new book for what is quickly becoming an enigmatic series.

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Pros:

• Fully developed Characters
• Stronger plot and exciting cliffhanger
• Well-paced, descriptive storytelling
• Entertaining and quick read
• Clarity on genre

Cons:

• Some scenes were over written, and the text would have benefited with simpler verbiage
• Some inconsistencies and ambiguities in the court scenes where it switches between the defendant ‘running’ through the park, when he was meant to be ‘riding’. It should be established whether the bikes were ditched or not.
• Not particularly a con as it presented some comic relief but the choice of the name ‘Peerless’ was peculiar, and I can only anticipate that there may be further development for this name choice

Favourite Characters:

• Julissa – flawed and fierce, loved her character arc
• Victor Baron – relatable and likeable, an underdog to root for
• Rance McDonald – intrigued by his duality, possibility for corruption, friend or foe

Lesson of the Book:

A few can be discerned but these were my top two take aways:

• Importance of family
• Price of vengeance

Cover Score: 8.0/10

Book Score: 8.4/10

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