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Author: R.J.Koreto
Publisher: Level Best Books 2023
ISBN: 978-1-68512-411-3
Nestled on a serene
island, just a stone’s throw from the bustling shores of New York
City, stands an early 19th-century architectural masterpiece, its
past shrouded in mystery, and which is at the heart of R.J. Koreto’s
latest novel, The Turnbull Murders.
A spine-chilling
connection unfolds as the house, which witnessed a murder in the
early 1800s, becomes the backdrop for unsettling events during its
modern-day restoration, once again serving as the scene of gruesome
crimes.
The narrative unfolds as Wren Fontaine, a passionate
architect, crosses paths with Nicky Tallon, a beloved movie star who
recently acquired the historic house Turnbull House and the island it
sits on from the City of New York.
Captain Turnbull, the
individual behind the construction of the house, resided there
alongside his wife, Katya Volkov, and his unmarried sister, Verity.
As a thriving trader with ownership of multiple ships, the Captain
mysteriously vanished one day, leaving his wife and sister to carry
on living in the same house.
The meeting between Wren and
Nicky occurs through Wren’s partner, Hadley Vanderwerf, a talented
caterer, who, while showcasing her culinary expertise at a social
gathering attended by Nicky, discreetly divulges her connection to a
skilled architect specializing in the meticulous restoration of
historic homes.
Intrigued by the prospect of restoring the
house to its original splendor, Nicky offers Wren the formidable
renovation task while utilizing the location for a film shoot. He
also confides his intention to reside in the house once the
renovations are completed. Simultaneously, he enlists Hadley as the
caterer for the film crew during the shoot.
In the initial
pages of the narrative, Koreto introduces a pivotal character,
Saffron Scott, whose presence has a profound impact on the story’s
themes and plot.
Saffron gives the impression of being Nicky’s
romantic partner, appearing to be nearly two decades younger than him
and just out of high school. However, a surprising twist unfolds as
we realize that Saffron is not Nicky’s girlfriend but his daughter.
Koreto further introduces his readers to an even more diverse and
captivating array of characters, each concealing their unique
complexities and secrets.
In this ensemble, we encounter
Veronica Selwyn, the celebrated actress who becomes entangled with
Nicky. There is also Thalia, another one of Nicky’s romantic
interests. By the way, it’s worth mentioning that Veronica is also
entangled with Ezra, Wren’s father, who is a highly regarded
architect and Wren’s boss.
As more of the yarn unravels, a
persistent question nags at us. What’s hidden beneath the surface
of Nicky, the small-town boy from the middle of nowhere Idaho? Is the
person we see genuinely the real him, or is it all just a façade?
The
same curiosity extends to Saffron, who also comes from a small town
and has led a life being tossed around from one relative to the next,
ignored and abused. What drives her to want to reside in a house on
an island, a place that’s practically secluded from
civilization?
Wren’s mission during the house renovation
involves delving into the history of the family that inhabited the
residence during the early 19th century, with a particular focus on
uncovering the mystery surrounding Captain Turnbull’s disappearance
and his family’s subsequent actions.
To pursue this goal, Wren
seeks assistance from her friend and former professor at Columbia
University, Lavinia Suisse. The discoveries Lavinia makes during her
investigation turn out to be genuinely astonishing and carry
significant implications for the current occupants of the house, most
notably Saffron.
The Turnbull Murders is a finely crafted
historical mystery enriched with a contemporary twist. Koreto’s
meticulous attention to detail, adept character development, and
seamless blending of the past and present make this book a
captivating choice for mystery enthusiasts.
With its immersive narrative, evocative setting, and intricately woven plot, the novel is a testament to Koreto's storytelling prowess. It is essential reading for those who appreciate a meticulously crafted mystery that explores the complexities of human nature and unravels the mysteries of history.