“Stranger Things”, Erin Healy
This is my new favourite Erin Healy novel. It has all the hallmarks of what we’ve come to expect from Healy: gripping suspense, characters grappling with their external world but also with what’s in their heart, and an insider’s perspective of the “thin places” where the natural and supernatural intersect. However, added to this novel is an especially powerful story line drawing the reader into the dark sinister world of human trafficking.
The novel starts fast and doesn’t let up. Healy’s descriptive powers make this novel a highly visual experience. We get multiple points of view which I enjoyed as it enlightened the experience in my mind.
The story demonstrates how human trafficking is able to proliferate due to systematic abuse, deceit and corruption. For much of the novel we’re not exactly sure whether the heroes are actually villains and vice-versa. As the story unfolds the layers gradually peel away to reveal some very courageous people and sinister bad guys.
Serena Diaz and Amber Larsen are two very gutsy women, both survivors of this heinous industry, and marvelously crafted. They are drawn together, coincidentally, by Amber’s brother, Christopher. Embedded in both ladies is his passion and energy to rescue those in need and shine light in the darkness of the industry that has played such a role in their lives since their youth.
The bad guys are creepy in their arrogance, abuse of power and complete disregard for the lives of the many they destroy. Healy reveals the far-reaching tentacles of structured corruption that pervades the industry.
This is an effortless read that was hard to put down and I was sad it ended.
Ian, your reviews always pick me up! You’re such a thoughtful and enthusiastic reader. Thanks for your kind words. I hope Stranger Things might prompt readers to think about strangers in new ways–strangers who have done kindnesses for us, and strangers to whom we can be kind.
Thanks Erin for popping by my wee spot on the e-universe. Funny, as you gathered, I didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about the “stranger” aspects. Serena, Christopher & Amber’s passion filled my mind most of the time as I read. Oh I forget to say that I hope one day I can write such a romantic set of words as you did in Chapter 31. You captured the wonder of innocence so beautifully..