Book Review: "Original Sin" by Brandt Dodson

Think Magnum PI, minus the Hawaiian shirt

Colton Parker is a former FBI agent turned private investigator. He and his daughter are on shaky terms after his wife died following a heated argument with him. He's been called on the case by the girlfriend of the accused murderer of a beloved high school teacher. She claims that he is innocent and wants Colton to prove it. At first it seems that all evidence points to the accused but Colton delves deeper and with just a paper clip for a clue he finds a seedy shady world of pornography and sex. Non stop action makes this gritty mystery novel hard to put down.

When I think of a PI, Magnum comes to mind. The Hawaiian shirt with the fancy car going to exotic places in Hawaii and having a fun time. So I didn't know what to expect when I started this book. Well it turned out to be an unexpected awesome read. Normally I wouldn't have picked up this book because it's not in the genre I normally read. However I am so glad that I did. There is non stop action in this book. It's very gritty and I felt like I was watching an episode of Magnum (minus the cheesiness). I really like Colton's character. He's a very good detective and is able to get what he needs out of other people but he doesn't manipulate them to get info. He also cares very much for his daughter even though their relationship is strained. Dodson takes his character into places most Christian novels would never dream of going. Strip clubs are visited. Pornography is exposed. Teachers selling students for sex sales. Web cam shows. Nothing is untouched with this book. But there is nothing graphic and even though Colton's character is not a Christian in this book, he does not want anything to do with these things. He begins to show interest in the faith but the storyline is not preachy at all. This book is really an eye opener that people are not always what they seem. It makes you think twice about people you put your trust in. I was immediately hooked after I started reading this book. It's a definite page turner that you won't want to stop reading. This is a perfect book to give to a guy who doesn't like to read. Highly recommended and I have found a new favorite author.

Original Sin by Brandt Dodson is published by Harvest House (2006)