Title: Scourge
Series: The Ivory Solution 01 – The Chronicles of the Old Town
Author: Etienne
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: Super Novel (340 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (16th November 2012)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: When two young men set up an amateur sting to expose a pastor’s pedophilia, they gather plenty of evidence not just of the pastor’s predilections but of something even more sinister. Out of their depth, they call in FBI experts to investigate.
Meanwhile, Clint Buchalla, investigative reporter for the Washington Ledger, is sent to Atlanta to interview a man about his top-secret study. Clint is so angry at his editor for cutting his vacation short that he gets drunk and winds up in bed with the man he was supposed to interview, Dr. Rodney Poucher. But it’s exuberant grad student Lucien Cormier, Rod’s houseboy with benefits, who really captures Clint’s attention… when he isn’t busy investigating the sharp drop in birth rates in metropolitan Black and Hispanic communities.
Rodney’s findings lead him, Clint, and Lucien to a meeting with the deputy director of operations of the FBI. But they only have so much time to figure out what’s going on and arrest those involved—and for Clint and Lucien to work out whether the spark between them can span the distance between Atlanta and DC.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3351
Review: WARNING: Some scenes in this book may offend or be disturbing to victims of sexual abuse (An adult pretending to be a much younger boy).
Two young men set out to bring down a pedophile preacher when they discover the man preys on pre-teen boys and girls, they discover more than they bargained for and have to call in help. Clint is an investigative reporter who is sent to interview Rodney, who works at the Centers for Disease Control, concerning some findings Rodney has discovered. As the two cases collide the FBI are consulted and Clint has the story of a lifetime. While the investigation proceeds Clint begins to fall for Lucien, Rodney’s houseboy, and they try to make a long distance relationship work.
This is a very interesting story that has plenty of mystery that keeps you piqued. Bringing down a pedophile is Trent and Aiden’s goal but discovering a more sinister plot has Trent and Aiden reaching out for help. Clint is given the story of a lifetime even before he realizes the full impact of what Rodney has to offer him, being in the right place at the right time gives this reporter an exposé that has long reaches and terrible impacts. Lucien begins to fall for the successful journalist Clint but living in two different States is a struggle but they soon find a way to be together.
I have to say that the storyline to this book is very interesting, starting out with two young men setting up a pedophile to expose him to his congregation which leads to a much more complex thread as his connections to a white supremacy group are discovered… we then discover, through Rodney, a plot that would have a devastating effect on the non-white population and the weaving investigation as the FBI are brought in to discover the masterminds. Through all this, we have Clint who does his job with compassion and determination, and we have Lucien who is still studying but who Clint feels drawn to and the pair of them begin a relationship.
There are some sex scenes in this with various characters, now, some of those scenes are with an adult pretending to be a much younger boy so if you are disturbed by the image of pedophilia. Please be cautious through the earlier scenes in this book. Etienne has used great compassion when writing about the effect that sexual abuse has on the victims and how the victims reacted and coped, the storyline hasn’t been done for shock value, and it has been well woven and fits in well with the various other plot lines.
I will recommend this to those who love gritty mysteries, well-woven stories, complex plots, finding love unexpectedly and a very good happy ever after, with lingering questions for the next book.