Blackout by Alex Segura is the fourth book in the “Pete Fernandez” mystery series. Publisher: Polis Books, coming May 8, 2018
In Blackout, the latest novel in Alex Segura’s acclaimed Pete Fernandez Mystery series, startling new evidence in a cold case that’s haunted Pete drags the exiled PI back to his hometown of Miami. But as Pete and his partner Kathy Bentley delve deeper into the unsolved murder, they become entangled in Miami’s obsession with a charismatic and dangerous cult leader and his even more menacing followers. At the same time, the detectives find themselves at odds with a Florida politician’s fixation on wealth, fame and power. It all converges in the heart of the Magic City and Pete is left scrambling to pick up the pieces―or die trying.
The Pete Fernandez novels have always run on two tracks – the long-buried Miami mystery that Pete is forced to solve, and Pete’s often unpredictable evolution from self-destructive alcoholic to somewhat functional private eye. In Blackout, those two tracks blend into one dark, personal and deadly tale of dangerous obsession that will leave Pete Fernandez completely changed. It’s all been building to this.
In this latest fast-paced, action-packed, and roller coaster ride, past and new adversaries are back to haunt Pete as he struggles with his own demons. The author does a great job with the narrative pulling me into the depth and all facets of this emotionally charged and antagonizing saga. A tightly woven mystery where murder is bountiful and suspects are plentiful but it’s the clues with a few twists and turns that puts this tale at the pinnacle of private investigation where the hero does what he does best despite any hindrance from the population at hand. I was fascinated by Pete’s journey as he traverses between the past and the present and the role he must face, character flaw and all. Kudos to the author for a terrific read.
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FTC Full Disclosure – I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the author’s publicist.