Murals, The

THE MURALS is an engrossing commentary on Life and Art and how sometimes horrible abuse and tragedy may create majestic art. The novel also offers, not traditional happy endings, but several examples of the ultimate triumph of hope and the human spirit. The perfect life may be inaccessible; but an individual can find joy in passion and purpose. Several strong female characters (and some strong males too) populate THE MURALS, and we also witness character evolution as well.

5 stars

Jason Poe used to travel to the most horrific places in the world – war zones. He took evocative pictures of the people he saw and met there. He has always been fascinated by people, especially their eyes.

After a particularly awful experience, he no longer goes to film wars and the people. Instead, he works on his own projects while not at his teaching job at a local art institute. Right now he is taking photos of the things people leave behind when they abandon their homes. He is going to call his book, “Leavings.”

At night Jason and his friend Tally, go into abandoned houses - minus the owner's permission. One night Jason goes into a particularly interesting old house on Locust Street. This is one of the most blighted areas in the town of Calista. There he sees and photographs some of the most moving murals he has ever seen. He must find out who did them and why.

So begins a particularly engrossing and interesting tale complete with crooked cops, shady lawyers, obsessed relatives, a damaged artist and a very likable group of people who are determined to get to the bottom of the mystery of “Who?” and “Why?” The murals speak to all of them. They speak to everyone who sees them.

The group of four people who are looking for the artist are so engaging and interesting that the reader is rooting heavily for them all the way. I liked them all and admired their individual talents. Some of the bad guys had a moral compass that was a bit off, while others were downright evil and sick. I can't say too much more without handing out spoilers. The book is very well written and plotted. One event follows another in a logical manner. I really liked it and hope to read more of Mr. Bayer's work.

I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House/Severn House Publishers for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.