Everyone knows how much I love Fuerteventura, so I can tell you that I was so excited to find a book set on the beautiful, arid island (especially an LGBT novel, which I don’t read enough of). Part of a series of unconnected novels by Isobel Blackthorn, A Prison In The Sun is the third book and explores a widely unknown part of Canarian LGBT history through the eyes of one struggling writer.
Author: Isobel Blackthorn
Genre: Mystery/LGBT
Published: October 2019
Synopsis
“After millennial ghostwriter Trevor Moore rents an old farmhouse in Fuerteventura, he moves in to find his muse. Instead, he discovers a rucksack filled with cash. Who does it belong to – and should he hand it in… or keep it? Struggling to make up his mind, Trevor unravels the harrowing true story of a little-known concentration camp that incarcerated gay men in the 1950s and 60s.”
(Taken from Goodreads)
My Review
There was something about this book that meant I just couldn’t put it down. I read the majority of it in one day and after that would sit down to read it every chance I got.
Isobel’s writing style is wonderfully easy to read – she has the quick pace down which really accentuates the mystery genre, but there’s something just so gripping about her words. The story is fascinating from the very beginning, with lots of little things going on that we understand at the same time as Trevor, our main character, does. She uses lots of description and insight from him, with a really nice balance of external happenings and internal ponderings.
Trevor as a character is really interesting – relatable in that he’s struggling to get the mojo he needs to pursue his career, which many of us experience at one stage or another. He’s also going through some real inner conflict that is brought to the forefront of his mind through both recent past events and his findings in Fuerteventura. He’s an interesting character for a female author to write, but she does it well.
I enjoyed the book as I love Fuerteventura, however there is much to gain for readers who haven’t been. The sexuality themes will interest those within the LGBT community as well as anyone with an interest in European history. The story also works well as a mystery/LGBT novel combo. The ghostwriting character is appealing to other writers, too – I could relate to Trevor in many ways due to this.
Final Thoughts
A Prison In The Sun is different to other mystery books I have read as it is more of a literary take. I found it fascinating, and it’s certainly inspired me to read more of Isobel Blackthorn’s books. It’s even got me out of my writing rut, so thank you Isobel! There is a lot to enjoy from this particular novel, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a good conundrum to sink their teeth into – especially if you’re looking for a unique LGBT novel.
Purchase Links
If you’d like to purchase A Prison In The Sun by Isobel Blackthorn then you can do so here:
A Prison In The Sun by Isobel Blackthorn – Amazon UK
A Prison In The Sun by Isobel Blackthorn – Amazon US
Author Bio
“Isobel Blackthorn is an award-winning author of unique and engaging fiction across a range of genres, including dark psychological thrillers, gripping mystery novels, captivating travel fiction and hilarious dark satire. Isobel holds a PhD in Western Esotericism for her groundbreaking study of the texts of Theosophist Alice A. Bailey. Isobel carries a lifelong passion for the Canary Islands, Spain, her former home. A Londoner originally, Isobel currently lives near Melbourne, Australia.”
(Taken from Goodreads)
Have you read any books set in your favourite country? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to like and pin!
You can read some of my other mystery reviews here:
Dream Wide Awake – C J Zahner
An Excuse For Murder – Vanessa Westermann
This sounds like a really interesting book and the setting of it really is right up your street!
Definitely! I wish there were more books set on the Canaries… (maybe that’s my cue to write one, haha)
Oooh this sounds very intriguing! I like the idea of mixing a mystery with LGBT themes, I’m not sure I’ve really seen that before so it sounds like an interesting and unique take. I bet you loved it being set in Fuerteventura! I’m currently reading a book set in the Highlands of Scotland (one of my favourite places) and it really has increased my enjoyment haha!
I really did! I think the location of a book actually really impacts the enjoyment – I read a book ages ago set in my hometown and I loved it because I knew where everything was!
This book sounds intriguing. I’ll definitely pick it up if I see it at my local bookstore. Thanks for sharing!
Glad to hear – I’m not sure of its availability in local stores but at least there’s always Amazon if all else fails!
Great review, sounds intriguing!
Thank you, yes it was a really good book!