Book Review: Lowan's Checkmate by S. E. Grosskopf

 

Book Review:  Lowan's Checkmate by S. E. Grosskopf 
Book 1 of 18: Lowan

A murder mystery and crime drama wrapped into one, Lowan's Checkmate by S. E. Grosskopf is a real page turner, keeping readers guessing and questioning their own sleuth-like skills.   Set in the early 1930's during a high level of criminal activity in the USA, then conducted by various syndicates, private consulting firm, Lowan and Sen Private Investigators, comes onto the scene after a jewel heist at Noritonia Hotel.  

Lowan is presented as a consultant to local police, seeming to have connections in the circles of the wealthy and influential.  Sen, often referred to as Uncle Sen, is inferred to have knowledge of players in the criminal underground.  Lowan's niece, Rita Nenning, is the secretary at their office.  The 3 characters are at the core of Grosskopf's mystery series along with Lieutenant Joseph Marx, who refers to Lowan when he needs help in a crime investigation.  Lowan's Checkmate is the first book in the series.

Grosskopf keeps the storytelling focused and organized, so readers can follow the trail of clues and Lowan's logic in piecing the mysterious parts together.  When new characters are introduced, the reader knows this is to make a meaningful point, such as Hiram Black who occupies the hotel room next to the room where the jewelry was stolen.  Checkmate refers to the game of chess that Lowan plays with the jewel thief, Henry Bradford, whom the reader learns had been Hiram Black.  Perhaps some parts of the storytelling require readers to accept the chain of events at face value, but overall, the tale is engrossing and written well.

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