Land of Careful Shadows (A Jimmy Vega Mystery)

I selected Land of Careful Shadows because I have enjoyed reading Suzanne Chazin's other books. This book was interesting and well written. I read it in two days. Once Chazin set the stage and I got to know her characters, I couldn't put the book down. The book has lots of twists and turns and rich characters. I didn't realize how complicated life becomes for the undocumented. I understand much research went into the accuracy of their lives ... I commend her for telling their story. I'd highly recommend the book to anyone who likes good writing, rich characters and an interesting plot. I didn't want the book to end, hoping a follow-up is in the works.

Often a well-written "literary" mystery sacrifices suspense. Not this one. I kept turning pages to solve multiple puzzles --chiefly who killed an Hispanic woman whose body is found without ID in a northern NYC suburban reservoir. But I also enjoyed Chazin's characters (esp Adele who reminded me of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor) her apt descriptions of anti-immigrant discrimination (subtle and overt) and the romance.

Chazin’s characters attract and sustain attention. Their reactions to life’s challenges consistently enhance their distinct and colorful personalities. There are no apparent bad guys to incite simplistic judgment so that even criminal suspects delight with multilayered humanity.
Usually I tire of mystery series books, but am hopelessly intrigued with Puerto Rican detective Jimmy Vega including his personal and professional life. What will he and Adele Figueroa face next? I can't wait for the next title.

By the end of the first few chapters, Chazin's ability to write convincing Latino characters caused me to research her background and what ethnic influences support her talent. Her openness and sincere desire to know and learn from undocumented immigrants to the New York area gained their trust and freed them to reveal the risks and dangers every present as they struggle to support their families back home with “courage and dignity.” Their gift to her is credibility supporting Chazin’s portrayal of Hispanic cultures while respecting anonymity through fiction.

Land of Careful Shadows is an engrossing page-turner without one dimensional fluff. Instead, Chazin peppers the narrative with sharp, clean and delightfully innovative descriptions that seamlessly propel the action forward to the gratifying surprise ending.

This is a murder mystery with many twists and turns. It describes the problems that undocumented people have trying to work and live in America. The murder has a real surprise twist.

Suzanne Chazin brings you right into the story and then keeps you there. I was sorry when it was over!

What a great book for our mystery book club! I really loved the characters especially Greco. The subject of illegal immigration is so appropriate for the times we are living in. Our book club had a heated discussion on the topic. This book gave everyone a human perspective on illegal immigration. I loved the mystery-didn't see the end coming. Good book!

I just finished reading LAND OF CAREFUL SHADOWS by the brilliant, relatively new, author Suzanne Chazin​. I have now found another superb author to follow. Her characters are as real as in person flesh and blood. Her writing if fluid and descriptive without being flowery. The plot is rich and instantly engaging Suzanne Chazin​ is added to my favorite author's list.

Thank you for sharing what undocumented members of our communities experience every day through an engaging mystery. I worked with many of the folks Chazin describes in an adult literacy program and while I understood some of what they'd experienced clearly there was much I didn't know or understand. I wish I'd had Chazin's book back then! I enjoyed the mystery and the twists and getting to know the characters. I feel like we're just getting started with them and look forward to more!

This is a mystery with great relevance to the problems of undocumented migrants. Written with a great deal of empathy for them, it's obvious that Chazin has done a good deal of research on the plight of migrant workers. The characters are very believable and fully developed. . It kept me guessing to the end. I highly recommend it.

What an amazing book! I couldn't put it down. I've been a fan of Suzanne Chazin's since her days at Reader's Digest.