Buried Lies
Peter Rennebohm
Reviewed by Betty Gelean
A good old-fashioned
treasure hunt complete with coded messages, an intriguing mystery.
Peter Rennebohm has written a book that takes us from WWII, to the
Navajo reservation, to the final destination. The book is particularly
interesting for the bits and pieces of history and Navajo lore and
beliefs interspersed throughout. Full of well-defined characters, are
they really who they seem to be? That is the question.
The story begins simply
enough, the main character, Augustus (Gus) Ivy, has gone to his barber
for a haircut. Not usually an exciting moment in one’s life. But,
Frank, the barber, is somewhat distracted while wielding the scissors.
It appears he had been talking about the war and in particular his unit
when he drifted off into memory. Gus was curious to hear his story
however, and so Frank continues his tale, which includes a book sent to
each surviving member of his unit by the parents of one of the soldiers
who was killed in action. He also shows Gus a letter that came with the
book, the last paragraph appearing to be an invitation to locate
something buried within its pages and cover. Gus, a collector of
books by the author, who also happens to be the mother of the downed
soldier, decides to buy a box of books from Frank, including the book
he was sent. Frank agrees, and with this seemingly innocuous
purchase, the story takes off.
On reading the book, Gus
feels it is definitely not one of her best, it seems choppy and not
particularly full-fledged and the dust-jacket is different from others.
It is at this time that Gus learns that Frank has been brutally killed
and suspicions begin to arise. The book appears to have taken on a life
of its own, and seemingly is of great importance to some very nasty
people. It doesn’t appear to be a particularly valuable book in and of
itself, so why is it becoming so important? Gus sets off with his dog
following what might possibly be a clue and the action truly begins.
The mystery builds throughout the
book and where it appears some things should be a bit obvious, they
probably are not. The action heats up as others join in the hunt with
and against Gus. There is a side story that takes place on the Navajo
reservation that is a nice break from the action, although serious in
nature. Some characters are expendable and some are not, but the
determination is not always as simple as it appears. A good
mystery, the excitement of the race to solve the mystery and perhaps
discover treasure is catching. In a way it is an enjoyable read
regardless of bodies dropping throughout. Peter Rennebohm has authored
two previous novels, “French Creek” and “Blue Springs” and I will be
seeking them to read. I am happy to recommend this focused, yet layered
book.