Having
reminded you last Friday of the very good book, Bleak
Harbor, it seemed to be a good idea to remind you of this one. From the
archive…
Purgatory Bay by Bryan Gruley continues what began in Bleak Harbor. While not a
straight sequel to the prior book, it features the local area and some of the same
characters. There are also numerous references, some far more detailed than
others, to the prior book and those events. For that reason, those who have
read the prior book will get far more out of this read than those who have not.
Jubilee Rathman lives a life of wealth
and splendid isolation in her home on Purgatory Bay near Black Harbor. It has
been twelve years since the night her family was wiped out by murders. She knew
who was responsible as did law enforcement, but when the wealthy and connected
are involved, the fight to hold those accountable is often impossible. Long ago
she gave up on the legal system and those within it that had so utterly failed
her. Those that believe she moved on and managed to put the past behind her would
be sadly mistaken.
Instead, she is financing her own very
personal quest for justice. She sees it as holding those involved, no matter
how far removed, as accountable for their roles in her personal tragedy. Others
would see her plan, if they knew of it before things commenced, as nothing more
than a revenge list and that many of her targets would be misplaced targets of
her rage.
One of the not so obvious targets is a
local resident, Ophelia. A renowned artist and a contributor by way of various sculptures
around the area, she lost her sight during her teen years. Removing her from
the home and making her vanish is a key part of Jubilee Rathman’s plan. She
must vanish so that former reporter Michaela “Mikey” Deming can experience just
a small beginning taste of what Jubilee Rathman has in store for her and many
other folks.
Purgatory Bay by Bryan Gruley is very much like the preceding book, Bleak
Harbor, in that it is another very complicated read filled with
multiple storylines, family tragedies, and acts of violence, betrayal, and
vengeance. All of the characters involved in the read are flawed and very
realistic. While the overall tone is dark for much of the book, there are the occasional
flashes of subtle humor which tend to lighten the mood at various times
throughout the book. Several of the characters in the read, evolve, and work
out their own ways to redemption by way of the violence that is unleashed
across the area.
An intense and powerful read, Purgatory
Bay by Bryan Gruley is one of those book that most likely will be
nominated for a slew of awards and collect at least a couple. Simply put, it is
very much worth your time.
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/42QfZGk
My reading copy came by way of the
author with no expectation of a review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2019, 2025
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