THE THIRD ESTATE - SECRETS OF THE MANOR

 

Author: D. R. Berlin

Reviewer: Florence Osmund

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The Hook

 

 

In the midst of mercenaries, clandestine organizations, and political intrigue, Sophie Allard finds herself in a situation where any rational person would run in the opposite direction. Instead, she runs toward it. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself burning the midnight oil to find out why.

 

 

Plot Summary

 

Sophie Allard, a flight school cadet at Stockton Military Institute, aspires to be the valedictorian of her class and win the Stockton Cup for finishing first in the final run of the qualifying exam. She is confident she will prevail, even though her main competition is the general’s son. But in the final hour, things happen and her confidence wanes when the feisty cadet gets threatened with expulsion for disobeying orders doing what she thought in her heart was the right thing to do.

 

Agonizing over a doubtful career in the military, Sophie’s world ruptures when she learns of the tragic and unexpected death of her father, a man who also had strong ties to Stockton. She quickly returns home to Grand Lake Manor, and by way of clues left behind by her father, becomes surreptitiously involved in a tangled web of secrets, betrayal, deception, and corruption.

 

 

Assessment

 

Both plot and character drive this story, the combined elements resulting in a well-rounded narrative that appeals to a wide range of audiences. Distinct settings are effective backdrops for each event, shaping the overall story and building tension within. Compelling descriptions allow easy visualization of what is happening in each scene—many creating an ominous atmosphere signaling the intangible presence of danger.

 

A well-structured plot builds considerable suspense throughout, delighting mystery readers with an interactive experience. A trail of clues produces anticipation for the final reveal, with enough red herrings to appeal to the avid mystery buff. Threatening roadblocks and challenges keep the story moving at a fitting pace.

 

The characters in this book are engaging, expertly developed, and memorable, each of them having meaningful layers of personality. Protagonist Sophie, in particular, is deftly modeled with flaws and mishaps that will draw empathy from readers. Even the hired assassin character evokes compassion when he shows that he may actually have a conscience.

 

D. R. Berlin skillfully and effectively writes this story in third person omniscient voice, a technique that can be disastrous if not done properly. Her writing indicates other elements of a seasoned writer—clarity and focus, organization of thoughts, and ability to engage readers on an emotional level. This reviewer was shocked to learn this is the author’s debut novel.

 

 

Rating

 

On a scale of 1 to 5, THE THIRD ESTATE – SECRETS OF THE MANOR is rated 5.0 by Direct Book Reviews.

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