Eric Wilson Reviews

Added October 4, 2007

A Shred of Truth

An Aramis Black Mystery

Author: Eric Wilson
Publisher: Waterbrook Press
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: July 2007
Genre: Fiction: Christian/Suspense/Thriller
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $13.99
ISBN-10: 1578569125
ISBN-13: 978-1-57856-912-0
Reviewer: Phillip Tomasso III

Eric Wilson is the author of many stand-alone mystery novels, as well as the increasingly popular Aramis Black Mystery series. Unfortunately, A Shred of Truth is the first book I have ever read by Wilson. I say unfortunately for two reasons. First, the book is not the first in the series. Second, I am sorry that it took me so long to find this talented author.

Although A Shred of Truth is not the first in the Aramis Black Mystery series, I can assure you it reads fine as a stand-alone. Wilson incorporates enough history and information to make it a complete story. And if anything, he has intrigued me to the point of going back to read all his other titles.

Aside from taking college classes, Aramis Black owns and operates a small town coffee shop, while his older, country-rock-star brother, Johnny Ray, focuses his ambitions on becoming inspirationally famous. All though an admirable goal, to become famous, not everyone seems to find the good in such a selfishly motivated drive.

After a celebration in a park near Nashville's Music Row, Johnny Ray is assaulted and left tied to a tree. When Aramis finds his brother he is most bothered by the fact that the attacker carved the initials A.X. into his brother's skin.

Soon, Aramis' ex enters the picture. She is being forced to work as a middleman between Johnny Ray's attacker and Aramis. Although Aramis Black was once something of a short-tempered, tough guy, his new, more peaceful façade may not be strong enough to cage the old ways from taking over his emotions.

His brother had already been hurt, and now his ex was in danger. And the person, A.X., behind it all wanted something very personal from Aramis. Without coming right out and telling Aramis exactly what the personal thing is, he sends Aramis off on a wild cat and mouse game that eerily resembles a deadly scavenger hunt, complete with strict rules that include keeping the police out of the loop.

Once Aramis realizes what the A.X. man wants, and what he plans to offer in exchange for that particular item, Aramis has no choice but to play along, following the rules of the game as best as humanly possible … but is the game too intense, too demanding, too lethal for Aramis to ever stand a chance at coming out of it a winner?

Surrounded by a host of solidly crafted characters, constant action, and a unique storyline, Shred of Truth is one of those books that once you pick it up it is hard to put down. A tight plot, great dialogue, narrative and short chapters kept me turning pages, anxious to see what would happen next … Wilson kept me guessing. And even after I thought I knew for sure who was behind the attacks, I was still surprised by the ending. I cannot wait to dive into another Wilson novel. I absolutely cannot wait.

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