"Annabelle’s character brings gravitas and nobility"

• ASIN: ‎ B0CLZ6CKP7
• Publisher: ‎ Chas Novels (20 Nov. 2023)
• Print length: ‎ 280 pages
• Genre: Black & African American Historical Fiction

The BookViral Review:

A rousing Black & African American Historical novel that is true to the genre’s traditional power, gender and cultural dynamics. The Missing Puzzle Piece is the fourth release in Abston’s series and another superb read.

Native Americans may be ever-present in historical novels of the old west, but they’re invariably depicted as un-individuated hordes, rather than anything approaching three-dimensionality. And it’s to Abston’s credit that he has sought to address this.

Throughout his series Abston has set his female characters at the fore as the moral and pragmatic centres of his narrative, lending a markedly feminist perspective to the typically male-dominated landscapes of the ‘western’ novel. Contemplative and absorbing rather than rip-roaring and exciting this makes for a laudable read that’s grounded by a fine-grain sensibility and a host of exceptional characters. And as with previous releases in the series Annabelle’s character brings gravitas and nobility.

The abduction of Joseph at the end of The Two Wolves to be sold into slavery sets a sombre tone in The Missing Puzzle Piece as Annabelle is faced with yet another tragic turn in her life. This makes for an occasionally shocking, sometimes disturbing read but as Abston’s narrative progresses we are also reminded of how the deepest of racial divides can sometimes be bridged by the simplest of actions.

Abston demands from his readers not only an appreciation of the Black & African American Historical novel as a genre but also a willingness to experience the harsh realities of the period with some difficult and unpleasant scenes. It is emotionally intense but as always with Abston’s novels it makes for addictive reading.

An engrossing read for fans of Black & African American Historical novels The Missing Puzzle Piece is unreservedly recommended and a Golden Quill read.