BOOK REVIEW

Reviewed by MISHA BENSON

We’re told from the beginning of our educational experience to not judge a book by its cover. However, in this particular instance there were two reasons I chose to read “Ariel’s Island.” It was written by a local author, Newnan attorney Pat McKee, and I absolutely love the cover. I really didn’t understand why until I finished the book.

A legal thriller, “Ariel’s Island” opens with a body discovered in the fountain in front of Strange and Fowler Law Firm in Atlanta. An attorney has been impaled on the fountain, the victim of an apparent suicide. Perhaps his huge workload had gotten to him. Or maybe his personal life wasn’t all it appeared to be. There is much speculation among his coworkers at the firm, along with general acceptance of his loss.

The role of lead attorney on the important and fractious Placido case is handed over to the dead man’s assistant, Paul McDaniel. Now in charge of one of the most important cases in his firm’s history, Paul believes he’s on the fast track. Coming from a lowly background complicated by a homeless mother he continuously tries to help, he thinks this is the beginning of the good life. Little does he know that there’s no good in this case or anyone involved with it.

The basic question is mounted: Is Paul being used as a legal pawn, or is he really on his way up the ladder?

The case at the crux of this novel is a patent dispute between the Milano Corporation, namely Anthony and Placido Milano, versus SyCorAx Ltd. This leads Paul to a coastal island resort, which seems to be a tropical paradise and a second chance for romance with Placido’s daughter.

The twists, turns and even a high-speed chase demand the reader’s undivided attention: Who and what to believe?

It’s all topped off with Placido Milano’s overly efficient and mysterious executive assistant named Ariel. The story makes for perfect intrigue and leaves the reader guessing what may happen next.

“Ariel’s Island” is a cacophony of literary genres – part legal thriller, adventure fiction and romance novel with a twist of futurism featuring artificial intelligence.

At first glance, the cover of “Ariel’s Island” is visually appealing. The eyes in the water jumped out at me and made me want to pick it up. Upon completing the novel, I understood what those eyes are telling me.

McKee’s first novel is compelling. You seriously will not want to put it down, and you’ll be more than ready to pick up the sequel as soon as McKee graces us with it. I believe Ariel has a whole lot more to tell us.

Ariel’s Island” is the first novel by Pat McKee, a Newnan attorney. Published locally by Southern Fried Karma in March 2020, it was named Best Legal Thriller at the 14th annual National Indie Excellence Awards; 352 pages. ★★★★★

NCM