An unpredictable, thrilling ride into the
mind of a gifted detective, A Kestrel Circles is a brilliant blend of suspense,
mystery, and fascinating character exploration.
G. Michael Smith's A Kestrel Circles is nothing
short of captivating. From the very first page, the novel pulls readers into an
intricate world where the boundaries of reality, perception, and intellect blur
in the most engaging ways. The protagonist, Mathew Brown (also known as
Augustus Cervantes), is a unique and eccentric character whose unusual
abilities—specifically, his skill to "find anything" through his
mind's eye, which he calls "the canvas"—form the heart of this deeply
compelling story.
About the Book: A Kestrel Circles
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Initially, I found myself a little disoriented, much
like stepping into a foreign language that has a few recognizable words but no
clear context. It was a deliberate and purposeful confusion, however, as the
narrative unfolds in the voice of Mathew, whose perspective seems disjointed
yet strangely profound. At times, I wondered if I was witnessing the world
through the eyes of someone with autism, struggling with communication but
gifted in ways that elude the average person. Soon, however, I was fully invested
in Mathew's world, eager to decode his thoughts and understand the significance
of the "canvas" that guides him through his life.
What truly elevates this novel is how Smith introduces
Mathew’s detective work. As an adult, Mathew has been largely written off by
those around him—particularly his overbearing mother—who thinks him incapable
of independent survival. Yet, Mathew is far from ordinary. His ability to
navigate the chaos of the world through his strange mental lens becomes his
superpower. The transition from a seemingly fragile individual to an
extraordinary detective is flawlessly executed. As Mathew embarks on his latest
case, the search for a missing pocket watch, the suspense escalates to dizzying
heights.
BookHookup Review: A Kestrel Circles
Smith's storytelling is nothing short of brilliant.
The multi-layered plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, filled with
unexpected twists and turns. The idea of the "canvas," a metaphorical
space that Mathew uses to process information, provides a unique and almost
surreal quality to the narrative. It’s as if we are peering into a Wonderland
of his mind, where logic meets mystery and every puzzle is a challenge to
unravel. It’s in these moments that the book truly shines, taking on an almost
dreamlike quality as Mathew races to uncover the truth.
As the plot unfolds, Mathew finds himself entangled in
a cat-and-mouse chase across Europe, pursued not only by criminals but also by
his own sense of foreboding about the case. The stakes rise as he uncovers
deeper secrets about the missing watch, and the tension builds toward a
gripping conclusion. What’s remarkable is that, despite his incredible
abilities, Mathew is not infallible—his humanity is woven into every page,
making him a character you can't help but care about.
Minor details, like a brief confusion over a
character’s name and the unresolved fate of a pizza delivery man, didn’t
detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel. These are mere blips in an
otherwise stellar narrative. And while the book does contain some profanity and
mild violence, it never feels gratuitous—just an authentic reflection of the
stakes Mathew faces.
In a literary landscape full of formulaic thrillers, A
Kestrel Circles stands out as something unique and thought-provoking. It’s
a novel that demands to be experienced, one that will leave readers eager for
more. With its unpredictable plot, compelling lead, and the tantalizing mystery
that lingers long after the final page, this book is a must-read for fans of
intelligent thrillers.
I would rate it a solid 5 out of 5, and I’m certainly
hoping for a sequel that continues Mathew’s journey.
Warning: Profanity, mild violence.
