Book Review: Web of Secrets, by Ernesto Patino

Web of Secrets, by Ernesto Patino

Paperback: 198 pages
Publisher: L & L Dreamspell (June 25, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1603181245
Rating (1 to 5 *): ****




Book Review: Web of Secrets


Sarah Baker knew that she was adopted but knew nothing of the circumstances of her birth or her real parents. That all changed when she received a mysterious phone call from someone claiming to know who her real parents were. He told her something shocking that could potentially cause her problems in her marriage and in other areas of society in her Florida home, where these things are not always looked upon positively: her real father was black. While this information does not concern her—she is happy to learn anything about her past at all—her husband is not pleased and is worried about how this revelation might affect his job. She agrees to pay the blackmailer and hopes to put the whole matter behind her.

However, the matter is not settled, and Sarah is not the only person the blackmailer tries to extort. Sarah hires the help of Joe Coopersmith, a private investigator, to find out the whole truth of her illegal adoption, reunite her with her siblings (all placed with other families) and father and put an end to the blackmail threats. Joe soon finds out that the secret is well guarded—to the point of risking his life to get to the bottom of it. The story follows Joe through this investigation, as well as several others.

Author Ernesto Patino has spun an intriguing tale in Web of Secrets, full of questions and insights on life in the South. While the book is an enjoyable read with an interesting storyline, I felt it could use some development—some scenes were glossed over, while others seemed out of place. However, the ending was totally satisfying!

Stay tuned to learn more about the author, Ernesto Patino, over the next couple of days.

An author-provided copy of the book was provided for this review.