Author: Robert E Marier
When the body of a cantankerous lobsterman washes up on a small island in Southern Maine, it sparks controversy, an arrest and unexpected plot twists in a coastal village. A recent law school graduate sees a newspaper report of the arrest of a black man for the murder of a local lobsterman. The accused, an old friend, needed legal help and was adamant that the young lawyer be the one to help him. Reluctantly, Charles Atkins agrees to defend his friend despite his lack of real-world legal experience. His attempt to find the murderer leads to intrigue, frustration and two dramatic trials. The story reveals the traditions of lobstering in Maine. Travelling the rocky coast, Atkins meets the daughter of a helpful judge and falls in love. The investigations take the lawyer’s team to Charleston, South Carolina, the fishing town of Gloucester, Massachusetts, and to unexpected discoveries.
Official Summary
This is a courtroom drama, and at the same time is a feel-good story packed with life lessons along the way. The author has a pleasant, conversational writing style which makes reading the book fast and easy even if sometimes it felt a little rushed. I would have enjoyed more details about the characters and their surroundings.
The murder of a contentious lobsterman leads the reader to lack any sympathy for the victim, while the evidence against the accused is so weak you cannot help but doubt the prosecutions motivation for bringing the charges in the first place. Even with the racial undertones it just did not seem realistic.
This book will most likely appeal to a young adult audience who enjoy a quick crime story and courtroom drama. As an adult reader, I found it a little short-winded and in need of a little more action. While the characters were interesting, I found it hard to bond with any of them.
Choosing a favourite character is a little bit of a challenge. While Peter held the promise of being an intriguing sidekick you never really got to know him, and Judge Stilwell remained just out of reach throughout the story.
I neither loved nor hated the story. Tidal Pools has an intriguing storyline, lots of interesting characters and promising scenery along the way yet reaching the end of the story I still felt as if I was missing something. The book is short, with less than 200 pages which left me feeling like it was lacking a bit of detail.
Author: Robert E Marier – ISBN: 9780692179444 – Publisher: Amazon Digital Services LLC – Kdp Print Us –
Pages: 186 – Source: eBook – Onlinebookclun.org
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Author bio from onlinebookclub.org
Robert grew up and attended schools in Kennebunk, Maine and Groton, Massachusetts.
He graduated Colby College in Waterville, Maine
In the early 60’s he formed R. E. Marier inc, a real estate sales and development firm and became the first developer of retirement and oceanfront condominiums in Northern New England. His major interest was in land use and design.
He has been an avid and competitive golfer all of his life, having won three club championships, played in the British Amateur at Troon, and had 12 holes-in-one.
He is an instrument rated private pilot.
His creative efforts include 2 US utility patents, 2 CD’s of original studio recorded music, available on line. (Melodies From Maine), and a series of children’s electronic musical storybooks, (Murfy Finds A Home).
His current focus is on writing mystery novels.
He is married to Valerie B. Marier, a well respected writer, columnist and blogger. They have 4 children and 4 grandchildren.
Bob and Valerie live in Kennebunk, Maine and in Palm City, Florida.
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