Title: The Letter
Author: Ed Munson
Publisher: Brilliant Books Literary
ISBN: 979-8889451792
Pages: 302
Genre: Fiction / Suspense Thrillers / Mystery
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel
Hollywood Book Reviews
Bailey Stewart is a Supreme Court Justice known for her compassion and honesty. Her consistency regarding the Constitution has caught the attention of a stranger claiming to be a friend who sends her mysterious letters. Under the name Ivanhoe, letters keep arriving with content that places Bailey in a position which will call into question how much she should reveal to the public. An assortment of mixed information has Bailey questioning what is true and what is fabricated, drawing her to think deeper about politics and history. As she embarks on a debate between truth and fiction, she uses her analytical mind to piece together a puzzle with help from her husband and trustworthy allies.
The letters play a significant role in the novel, pushing events forward and serving as a catalyst to draw Bailey into this unique conversation. The first letter is discovered in the opening of chapter one and through a plethora of information creates a basis of conspiracy, secrets, mystery, and commentary. These elements mix politics and history through various references that address the Vietnam conflict, fossil fuels, disease outbreaks, and historical figures such as Roosevelt and Hoover. These references are the foundation for a unique commentary which weaves truth and fabrication that open Bailey’s mind and curiosity, such as referring to why civilizations have disappeared. The primary purpose of the letters is to create mystery and action for the characters, specifically Bailey, and to explore the theme of information. A significant concept the novel examines is the idea of how much information the public should know and if sharing this information creates a domino effect.
Ivanhoe’s identity is a central mystery starting with the first letter which requests to not be found. The letters create a unique format in the story as a conversation is taking place between this stranger and Bailey, almost as if they’re confidants or colleagues having a discussion. Bailey is the protagonist and it is her drive and curiosity that propels her to analyze these letters and to think deeper about what society knows about history. Bailey is introduced as a character who is honest, compassionate, and open-minded with an interest in how agencies like the FBI and CIA work. The other characters revolve around her search with the letters providing a unique way to connect them.
Each character is well-educated and confident, such as Mandy with a sharp mind, Kincaid who is always busy, and Crockett who is self-assured. Each one is valuable to either Bailey’s life or the investigation sparked by the letters with those like Kincaid and Warner serving as valuable assets. There are two primary relationships in Bailey’s life. The mysterious dynamic with Ivanhoe is purely intellectual which balances the sweet relationship with her husband Zach who is her confidant and partner throughout the story. Their dynamic is refreshing as it lacks drama and is healthily portrayed, providing Bailey with a foundation to be herself and free to explore the possibilities which the letters raise. The realness of the characters grounds the story in reality and never strays from the threads or concepts that are established. The story is thought-provoking with suspense sparked by this mysterious identity which will have you eagerly awaiting answers.
The Letter is an intriguing read that blends mystery, history, politics, and conspiracy through the arrival of mysterious letters that drive these elements forward and an assortment of layered characters which strive to find answers.