Murder leads to a: Death under the Perseids

by Teresa Dovalpage

Death Under the Perseids is a book about which I liked some things but not others. The premise is that Merceditas and her husband are offered a free cruise to Havana. This is quite appealing to them. Mercy grew up in Cuba and is happy to revisit her country and family. Mercy’s husband Nolan, a professor, is delighted to be invited to give a lecture.

Oddly though, there are people on the cruise that Mercy already knows. This feels more than coincidental to her and the reader. Each of these characters was also involved with the man that Mercy was involved with prior to Nolan. There is a clear sense of menace that the reader is supposed to feel. All of this relates to the fate of Mercy’s prior partner Lorenzo.

Readers may feel that they know what the resolution of the story will be early on but they will need to read on to find out if they are right. While doing so, they can enjoy a bit of time in Havana.

The author uses many Spanish phrases and words throughout. While this adds to the atmosphere and culture of the story, as a non-Spanish speaker, I wish that there had been some translations. My other quibble with this novel is that I thought it was a story that moved slowly.

Have you read this one? If yes, what did you think?

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.