The Cana Mystery
By David Beckett
Paperback: 338 pages
Publisher: Tuscany Press, LLC (August 1, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1939627109
ISBN-13: 978-1939627100
Lexile:
approximately 1230
I enjoyed this mystery in the style of The DaVinci Code. I especially like that, while there was some
violence, there is no cursing or sex--which makes it much easier to recommend
to students! I love that part of the book takes place in Malta, one of my favorite
places in the world and one which most Americans know very little about.
However...I have some issues with the writing. I found some
of the explanations pedantic, as if the author is simply showing off his
historical knowledge. His parenthetical explanations of foreign foods were
intrusive and often pulled me out of the story. I think there are better ways
to explain foreign terms than parenthetically. The protagonists had very little
backstory most characters underwent no significant change from beginning to
end--what we call static characters in the world of English Language arts. Many
minor characters were quite flat, with only the characteristics to make them
into "The Bad Guy," etc.
I would definitely tell students who are interested in this
genre to read it, though the advanced vocabulary would keep it to my higher
readers.
Possible
objectionable material: One mild curse word. Violence—mostly shooting.
Protagonists are on the run and feeling threatened through most of the book.
The male and female protagonists share a hotel room, though nothing goes on.
Smuggling of men’s magazines. A couple of characters are caught in various
states of undress, though nothing comes of it.
Who would like this
book: Anyone who liked The DaVinci
Code or who likes religious history and apocrypha. Those who like mysteries
and adventure. People interested in foreign lands and cultures. Probably ages
15 and up with good vocabularies.
I received an e-book copy of this book from NetGalley for an
honest review. Thanks NetGalley!
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