Fiction Review

Bryceless
by Jeffrey Scott Alfin
ISBN-10: 0595377866
Review by Heather Froeschl

Things are not always what they seem, even when the official report claims to be the final word. In a book riddled with clues and mystery, author Jeffrey Scott Alfin offers an interesting look at a major American crime, a down-home story of family, and a modern examination of the facts. "Bryceless" is a captivating tale.

Bryce is called across the country from Arizona to Massachusetts to the reading of his aunt's will. What is revealed is a mind-blowing opportunity. If Bryce can live in the house on the cape for a year, having houseguests every weekend, the estate is his to keep. He must also report memories to the lawyer, and complete a list of objects in the attic that help him recall moments with his uncle. However interesting and nostalgic this part of the story is, it is just a cover for the real challenge. It all begins with the possibility of an intruder and a key that is found hidden under a hinge of an old wine crate. Where it ends is far from the tranquility of his aunt and uncle's home.

If you had information about a something illegal that has happened, would you bring it to light and let the world know? What if your own world would be in grave danger should you choose to do so? What if not doing so would continue a blindfold over America?

"Bryceless" is a delightful twist of personable storytelling and mysterious intrigue. The plot is so well thought out that it feels one is being drawn into a very sticky spider web. The feeling of the trap is something many Americans have suspicions over and it is likely we will never know the whole truth. Portraying this emotion seems to have been the goal of the author. Bryce is a likable character with a few flaws, which make him even more believable. The tale begins innocently enough and turns more sinister as the crescendo of mystery develops. My only minor complaint is from an editor's point of view and involves the misuse of certain spellings of words. A very minor thing when compared to the massive pull this book has. Extremely well done.