The Pine Barrens Stratagem: From the Case Files of Steve Rockfish by Ken Harris
TITLE INFORMATION
The Pine Barrens Stratagem
Ken Harris
Black Rose Writing, 250 pages
9781684338719, 01.27.2022
Overall Rating = 4.83
Storyline & Concept = 5
Writing & Delivery = 4.75
Editorial = 4.75
The Pine Barrens Stratagem is a crime thriller set within the context of the current global pandemic. Steve Rockfish is a Private Investigator accustomed to working on cases of cheating spouses but is now finding himself without work or money. That changes when a producer from Hollywood, hungry for his own big break, calls him with a job offer. Three days later, Rockfish heads to South Jersey to investigate a case of child trafficking that took place in the 1940’s. His job is to interview leads and get enough information about these illicit activities to fuel a crime docuseries that would appeal to today’s generation. Rockfish joins forces with a local computer whiz, Jawnie McGee, who has a personal interest in the case, and together, they begin to uncover the complexity of the case and find there is more crime involved than they had anticipated. The involvement of the mafia, crooked cops, and a not-so-well intentioned Archdiocese leads Jawnie and Steve to realize the true stakes of this investigation.
Ken Harris writes a clever novel with intriguing and humorous characters. The trio of powerful groups who kept decades of crime hidden from the public adds to the thrill of the story, while Steve Rockfish’s wit and sarcasm keep it entertaining. There is a present-day take to this crime thriller through the frequent pop culture references and the new and awkward realities of living in a global pandemic. The storyline hooks the reader from the beginning and brings them to a satisfying ending with a tease for a sequel. A highly recommended read.
Sublime Line: “Ken Harris adds a current twist to this exciting crime fiction novel that keeps the pages turning and the reader hoping for more adventures from Steve Rockfish.”
Sublime Book Review
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