MY REVIEW:
A speculative novel based on the unidentified “babushka lady” seen in the only film of the JFK assassination in 1963, Frame 232 gives the reader one more possibility of what could have happened on that fateful day, and if so, the possible ramifications if that film were to be unearthed today. In view of the many conspiracy theories that have developed over the years about the assassination, Mara’s novel is almost believable. In any case, his novel offers several interesting and exciting hours of reading to be sure.
Frame 232 obviously has a great plot since it is based on both truth and speculation about an event that changed the course of United States history. The narrative moves at a steady pace and the reader is always aware of the importance of each scene. Plenty of action keeps things moving right along and the dialogue is natural. The violence that is necessary to the plot is not overly graphic and only a couple of brief scenes even allude to anything of a sexual nature. The fictional characters are very well developed and each one plays an important role in the story. Jason Hammond is a hero to admire for his integrity, his compassion, and his bravery. Sheila Baker holds her own as the heroine who seeks Jason’s help then works determinedly by his side as they seek to solve the mystery and to elude personal danger at the same time. Lost faith in God and the path to finding it again is an integral thread throughout the book but is genuine and not overbearing.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read Frame 232. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the next Jason Hammond novel. I am personally hoping that Sheila will play a prominent role in it also.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The time had come, she decided, to rid herself of this burden, to take the steps necessary to put the matter to rest once and for all. And the first step, she knew—against every instinct and desire—was to watch that film.
During the reading of her mother’s will, Sheila Baker discovers that she has inherited everything her parents ever possessed, including their secrets. A mysterious safe-deposit box key leads her to the answers to one of history’s greatest conspiracies: Who killed John F. Kennedy? Not only does she have the missing film, revealing her mother as the infamous babushka lady, but she has proof that there was more than one shooter.
On the run from people who would stop at nothing to keep secrets buried, Sheila turns to billionaire sleuth Jason Hammond for help. Having lost his own family in a tragic plane crash, Jason knows a thing or two about running from the past. With a target on their backs and time running out, can Jason finally uncover the truth behind the crime that shook a generation—or will he and Sheila become its final victims?
Read an excerpt from Frame 232 HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Wil Mara has been publishing books for the last 25 years. He began with nonfiction for school libraries, moved into children’s fiction by ghostwriting five of the popular ‘Boxcar Children Mysteries,’ then into adult fiction with his 2005 disaster thriller, Wave, which won the New Jersey Notable Book Award. The next disaster novel, The Gemini Virus, was released in October 2012 to rave reviews by critics and public alike. Wil also spent 20 years as an editor, working for Harcourt-Brace, Prentice Hall, and others.
For more information, visit Wil at his website.
