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Cindy Cody releases new book
by Dana Applegate
“Good as Gone” sends Matti Maitlin, an insurance claims investigator, on a quest to find out what has happened to Chester Banks’ fabulous and multi-million dollar Incan art collection. This latest from local author, Cindy Cody, sends her heroine from previous books on a multi-country search to discover missing treasures, including the mythic Sun of Coricancha, a solid gold sun taken by Pizarro during his rampage through Peru.
The action begins as Matti Maitlin learns of the theft of the Peruvian art collection, insured for more than five million dollars by her insurance agency. We swiftly meet Chester Banks and his retinue, including his hunky son Michael Banks, a Peruvian history scholar. We also learn of Matti’s affair with her boss, married-but-debonair Sam Adamson. From there, Matti dashes from scene to scene trying to figure out just whodunit.
Readers will be drawn into the action as it roams from Boston to Connecticut to Peru. Descriptions of places are specific and well-drawn, allowing the reader a real sense of place within the novel. The descriptions of Peru, particularly, will convince the reader of Cody’s knowledge, and no doubt inspire a desire to see the places for oneself. Cody also handles the action nicely, describing scenes in Peru and the US with flair. When, at one point in the story, Matti is menaced by a stranger in her hotel room, readers will be on the edge of their seats.
The character development is her best yet, as we learn more about Matti’s life and love affairs. Michael Banks, illegitimate son of billionaire Chester, sounds good enough to eat, and his character jumps off the page through Cody’s descriptive powers.
The conclusion of the book is well done, and includes a sweet twist, drawing together the plot strings neatly and satisfyingly, as well as leaving an opening for the next book. This is definitely Cindy Cody’s best yet. She continues to improve her narrative powers and one can see her development as a novelist through the books she has so far produced. We look forward to future Matti Maitlin adventures as Cody continues her career. Cindy Cody is also the author of “Banana Bay” and “Hubba Hubba”, both of which, with her new book, are available in Panama bookstores and at The Bookmark in Dolega. |
