Fiction Review

Pawn
by Barbara Anna Marjanovic
ISBN-10: 0595659543
Review by Heather Froeschl

Donna marries into the mob, but she has no idea. It could be that Matthew's family is just overprotective of him. It could be that Matthew is just an investment hound, dealing with stocks and bonds. It could be, but it isn't. Donna finds herself in a marriage fraught with all night drug parties in her home, intrusive aunts who criticize her every move and worse - in the company of a man who is not at all what he seems.

One night Matthew tells her what seems to be everything. He is part of the Mafia, a huge part, and the FBI is on to them. In fact, he tells her, he is helping the FBI. Life seems to change, and love is rekindled. Until...during a weekend trip to their cabin, Donna is almost killed. The FBI swoops in to save her and puts her into a sort of witness protection program. To the world, she is dead. To the FBI, she has become a Pawn. Donna is to gather evidence against her widower husband. But is this legit? Could it be that this branch of the FBI isn't what it seems either? Will life ever be normal again?

Barbara Anna Marjanovic has written an interesting tale. There are inconsistencies though, and at times it seems that the story was written backwards, with important details filled in at the last minute. There are numerous typos and errors that would have been easily caught by an editor. Overlooking these things may be difficult. However, the premise is intriguing and may be enough to carry some readers through to the end.