Journey into Terror

Rating:
Summary: Intrigue and murder in the exotic Mantuan Islands
Review: After receiving an unexpected wedding invitation from an old college girlfriend, aspiring novelist Julia Graye flies to the exotic Mantuan Islands to attend the celebration. Not having seen nor heard from her friend Samantha for the last six years, Julia finds the request somewhat odd. Yet she's soon captivated by the idea of visiting this part of the world which she's heard so much about. Maybe the place will even inspire her and give her an idea for a novel.

However, as soon as she steps foot in Orinda, the capital, an atmosphere of mystery and dread begins to darken her enthusiasm. On the boat ride to Tiboo, the little volcanic island where Samantha actually lives and where Julia will be staying for the next few days, the Captain warns her about bad times and political restlessness and advises her to turn back. Turn back, after such a long trip? She's just got here. She'll only be here a few days to attend a friend's wedding. What possible harm could come to her?

That night she finally meets Samantha again, as well as Samantha's petulant brother and cold mother. An air of intrigue, lies and secrets seems to veil this old family. Then the next day, to Julia's utter shock, she discovers a dead body on the beach, a body which turns out to be none other than Samantha's groom-to-be Ramon. The police declare it a murder. Family members and relatives become suspects; everybody appears to be hiding something. Moreover, Julia can't shake off the feeling that she's been followed, that someone's been tracking her movements. But who and why?

After several suspicious incidents it becomes clear someone wants Julia dead, but what possible threat could a harmless aspiring novelist pose to anyone? As she's caught in the vortex and forced to fight for her life, her actions will have an impact on the political future of the entire island.

This book impelled me to read late into the night. I simply couldn't put it down. Anne K. Edwards has created a twister of deception and mystery that kept me guessing for the culprits. The climax gripped me and left me breathless all the way to the fully satisfying ending. The exotic setting, polished narration, tight plot and strong atmosphere of menace make this story a must read for lovers of the genre. Being a fan of this very talented author, I impatiently look forward to reading more of her works. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A gripping novel of murder, revenge, and harrowing escape
Review: Journey Into Terror by Anne K. Edwards is a gripping novel of murder, revenge, and harrowing escape. Set on a small island, Julia Graye is a woman accused of a murder she did not commit, and must elude the homicidal hatred of the victim's closest friends, even as she must find a way to prove the identity of the real killer. A deadly saga of deceit, blood, kidnaping, and the desperate struggle to survive, Journey Into Terror is especially recommended reading for mystery/suspense enthusiasts.

Rating:
Summary: Journey Into Terror
Review: Julia Graye goes to the tropical island of Tiboo to attend the wedding of Samantha, an old college friend, but she soon discovers that all is not well in Paradise. On the trip to the island, the boat's captain warns her that there's political trouble afoot on the island, and when she arrives, she finds dissention shadowing her friend's family. The natives treat Julia with cool hostility and even some of Samantha's relatives appear less than thrilled to see her. Warnings and threats come from all around her. A series of increasingly unnerving events follow, culminating in Julia's discover of the body of Samantha's murdered fiance. Julia soon learns that the victim was deeply involved in smuggling and the volatile political situation. Her concern for her friend will pull her into the tangled plots surrounding them and put her life in jeopardy. Fans of the old-fashioned Gothic novels of the 1960s and 70s will find Journey Into Terror a modern version of the genre, with all the typical elements including not one, but two, large threatening houses, hostile servanta, cryptic warnings, mysterious events, escalating danger and a compellingly attractive but possible dangerous stranger who is clearly deeply involved in some shadowy plots. After a slow start, the pace picks up rapidly and the last third of the book is a nonstop series of pulse-raising suspenseful escapades that lead to an exciting conclusion. Reviewed by Karen McCullough of Scribes World