#Bookreview of Calypso Blue: A Len Buonfiglio/Caribbean Mystery
By: Brian Silverman
Publisher: Down & Out Books
Publication Date: June 30, 2025
ISBN: 978-1643963945
Reviewed by: Nellie Calanni
Review Date: June 24, 2025
In Calypso Blue: A Len Buonfiglio/Caribbean Mystery, Brian Silverman delivers a rich, atmospheric crime novel that plunges readers into the vibrant, enigmatic world of St. Pierre, a fictional Caribbean island brimming with secrets, colorful characters, and complex intrigue. With its tropical setting and layered narrative, Silverman crafts a mystery that’s as much about the people and place as it is about the crime itself.
The story follows Len Buonfiglio, an ex-pat New Yorker now running a bar called The Sporting Place. Len enjoys the relative calm of island life, but that tranquility is quickly disrupted when beloved calypso legend Lord Ram dies under suspicious circumstances. Rumors begin to swirl – was it an accident or something more sinister? Len finds himself pulled into a tangled web of local politics, personal rivalries, and long-buried secrets, all while navigating the island’s tightly knit, often opaque social dynamics.
Silverman masterfully blends fast-paced investigation with the rich texture of island life. The dialogue sparkles with authenticity, while the cultural nuances of St. Pierre – from the calypso music and colorful festivals to the simmering undercurrents of gossip and power – immerse readers in a world that feels at once exotic and intimate. Themes of loyalty, regret, cultural identity, and second chances weave seamlessly throughout Len’s journey, as he confronts both the mystery at hand and the unresolved wounds from his own past.
The vivid setting comes alive with Silverman’s eye for detail: the sounds of Lord Ram’s soca anthems, the flavors of island cuisine, the rhythm of daily life – all serving as a lush backdrop to the unfolding mystery. Secondary characters, from Len’s loyal friend Tubby to the alluring Betta, add depth and heart to the story, making St. Pierre itself feel like a fully realized character.
At its core, Calypso Blue is a story about belonging, redemption, and the murky line between justice and personal responsibility. As Len confronts ghosts from his past and the shadows lurking in paradise, readers are treated to a satisfying blend of classic whodunit, character-driven drama, and rich cultural immersion.
Quill says: Brian Silverman’s Calypso Blue is an evocative, sharply written mystery that transports readers to a sun-soaked island full of secrets, delivering suspense, heart, and atmosphere in equal measure. This is a perfect pick for fans of classic crime fiction with a tropical twist.
For more information about Calypso Blue, please visit the author's website at: briansilvermanwrites.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment