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Over a decade ago, renowned actress and new age author Shirley MacLaine made a milestone pilgrimage across Spain. She recounted her spiritual journey in the autobiographical work, The Camino. In 2006, F. R. Merrill travelled a similar path, yet instead chose to incorporate that same historic landscape as a backdrop for an intriguing, fictional tale. In this captivating read, seven women will trek 550 miles to follow the landmark path of St. James, the peacekeeper. For some it will merely be an athletic challenge; for others it will be a time for connection and gaining spiritual clarity. But early on suspense is ignited, as Merrill draws our attention to one character who is solely intent on destroying another member of the group, in a desire to appease the demands of her controlling therapist/lover who is imprisoned for murder.
Whether a poisoned syringe, a shove from a cliff, or an allergy-inducing ingredient layered in a peanut butter & marmalade sandwich, Merrill laces the story with just enough detail to hold our interest and keep readers guessing. Character interaction plays well within the mystery to help drive the action forward alongside the yellow markers and Camino check points that keep this female group headed toward their final destination. With backaches and blisters from rock stratas; to flowering vistas that are quaint hamlets; and to hotel castles, local churches, and ancient cave structures, Merrill showcases this expansive route like a tour guide. Shorter chapters help keep a steady pace for both the characters and readers, even when the journey is slowed by difficulties. To highlight the spiritual element of the Camino path, Merrill cleverly provides a few "angels" along the way. These take the form of a guiding donkey, a helpful cab driver named Jesus, and an urgent premonition that gives a nod to one character's Native American ancestry.
As a mystery that entertains within an atmosphere of some unyielding terrain containing challenges comparable to those of The Amazing Race, Merrill's unique, fictional travelogue embodies a well-balanced combination of characters and adventure. Thematically the story intrinsically reinforces the value of family and friendships and ultimately focuses on the importance of facing our fears. Characters from Merrill's earlier novel, The Final Act, also appear in this book, and hopefully some of these key individuals will again resurface in the author's next project.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review