Book Review of I See You by Elle Gray

Book Review of I See You – Pax Arrington Mystery by Elle Gray

This book hits the justice, vengeance, and a little bit of the redemption triggers. The main character is starting to undergo redemption.

This is a private eye novel. And it’s the type I generally like. I call it a “qualified” private eye novel. Pax Arrington grew up wealthy, part of a media empire family. He’s next in line to take over the media business, but instead becomes a Seattle police officer and eventually a detective. The novel opens with Pax getting fired by the Seattle police for not staying in the lines. Thus, he decides to open his own private investigation business.

A qualified private eye novel means that the person who is the private eye is qualified to be a private eye. In this case, a former police officer and detective. I’m not a fan of amateur sleuth books.

One interesting facet of this novel is that the story is told in first person point of view from two different points of view. Pax’s, of course, but also the villain’s – Reuben Hayes. Pax’s first private case is being the money drop man for a kidnapping ransom payout. But this leads to his tracking down a serial killer. Rueben Hayes sustains his master plan by kidnapping kids of wealthy families for ransom. He returns the kids unharmed as long as he gets the money asked for. Pax is introduced to Reuben via telephone as Pax is being directed by Hayes on the money drop procedure.

There are a couple of arrangements that make Pax’s job easier. His business partner is a master hacker, able to get into just about any database. This is a stereotypical device used in many movies and books. Having worked in the IT industry for many years, I find this device annoying. Second, Pax is good friends with Blake Wilder, an attractive, FBI agent. Throughout this book, they have only a platonic relationship.

Pax is arrogant, brash, confident. The banter between him and Blake and him and his business partner is entertaining. Pax is a widower. His wife was the person that convinced him to become a cop and help people. And she is also the reason he becomes a private eye after losing his position on the force.

His wife supposedly died in a car accident. But Pax isn’t satisfied with that answer. He thinks there’s more to the case. We don’t really get any insight as to why Pax thinks this. The theme of Pax’s wife’s murder will run through the series of novels.

As for content, only mild profanity, no use of the major cuss words. No elicit sex and no graphic violence. Overall, a good read. Kept me wanting to find out more. And eventually, I’ll probably read more of the series. It ranks fourth in my list for this year.

Book Rankings for 2021

1. The Water Keeper – continues to stay strong.
2. Save the Girls
3. Choose Me
4. I See You
5. The Suriname Job
6. Missing Sister

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