In Trouble Island, Sharon Short combines elements of historical fiction and suspense to craft a rich, atmospheric narrative set in the icy grip of 1932. Inspired by a real island in Lake Erie and interwoven with threads of her own family history, this novel invites readers into a world of gangsters, secrets, and murder. At the heart of the story are two women bound by loyalty and desperation, navigating treacherous waters—both literal and figurative.
As Sharon Short’s first standalone suspense novel, Trouble Island earns its four-star rating with its evocative prose, intricate plot, and layered characters. However, it also leaves room for critique, particularly in its pacing and the resolution of certain subplots. This review delves into the book’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Setting the Scene: A Masterful Atmosphere
One of Trouble Island’s greatest triumphs is its setting. The remote, snow-laden island in the middle of Lake Erie becomes a character in itself—menacing, isolating, and inescapable. Short’s prose captures the stark beauty of the landscape, from the forbidding limestone cliffs to the frigid waters teeming with danger.
The mansion, a crumbling symbol of gangster wealth and excess, mirrors the story’s themes of decay and entrapment. Short’s description of the labyrinthine interiors—its libraries, ballrooms, and hidden nooks—draws readers into a world as lush as it is suffocating. Her attention to detail, down to the frost etching patterns on the windows, enhances the immersive experience.
Strengths:
- Vivid imagery that evokes both beauty and dread.
- A strong sense of place that reflects the story’s themes.
- The integration of historical elements, like Prohibition and its consequences, grounds the story in a specific era.
Critique: While the atmosphere is compelling, it occasionally overshadows the pacing. The extended descriptions of the island and mansion, while rich, slow the momentum during key suspenseful moments.
Plot: A Gripping Locked-Room Mystery with Layers of Deceit
At its core, Trouble Island by Sharon Short is a locked-room mystery wrapped in layers of historical intrigue. The arrival of a motley crew of gangsters, a fading Hollywood star, and a rival criminal sets the stage for Rosita McGee’s sudden disappearance and subsequent murder. As the storm traps everyone on the island, tensions rise, and secrets bubble to the surface.
Aurelia Escalante, masquerading as a maid but hiding a dark past, emerges as the reluctant detective. Her struggle to untangle the web of lies while grappling with her own guilt creates a compelling dual narrative of internal and external conflict.
Strengths:
- The intricate web of relationships keeps readers guessing.
- The novel balances personal stakes with broader societal themes, like gender roles and the long shadow of crime.
- Twists and reveals are well-timed, particularly the shocking revelations about Rosita’s motives and Eddie McGee’s power plays.
Critique:
- Certain plot threads, like the rivalry between Eddie and Marco Guiffre, feel underdeveloped. Marco’s role, pivotal as it is, could benefit from more exploration.
- The pacing occasionally falters in the middle sections, where tension gives way to prolonged introspection.
Character Analysis: Complex Women at the Heart of Chaos
Aurelia Escalante and Rosita McGee anchor the story with their complexity. Both women are shaped by trauma and bound by secrets, yet their diverging goals drive the narrative tension.
Aurelia Escalante
Aurelia’s transformation from a fugitive burdened by guilt to a resourceful survivor is the novel’s emotional backbone. Short deftly explores Aurelia’s internal conflict—her desire for redemption clashes with her instinct for self-preservation. Her secret past as a gangster’s wife lends a noir-esque edge to her character.
Praise:
- Aurelia’s voice is distinct, reflective, and relatable.
- Her interactions with other characters, particularly Rosita and Seamus, are charged with subtext and emotion.
Critique: At times, Aurelia’s introspection feels repetitive, slowing the narrative. A tighter focus on her detective role could heighten the suspense.
Rosita McGee
Rosita is both victim and enigma. Her grief for her son and her fraught marriage to Eddie McGee make her a tragic figure, while her manipulative tendencies add layers to her character. Her dynamic with Aurelia—part friendship, part power struggle—injects the story with emotional complexity.
Critique: Rosita’s motivations remain murky in places. Greater insight into her psychological state would enhance her impact as a pivotal character.
Themes: Redemption, Loyalty, and the Weight of Secrets
Short weaves themes of redemption, loyalty, and identity throughout the novel. Aurelia’s journey reflects the human desire to break free from the past, while Rosita’s arc underscores the destructive nature of unresolved grief. The narrative also critiques the patriarchal structures that trap both women, forcing them to navigate a world defined by male violence and control.
The island itself serves as a metaphor for entrapment, with its isolation mirroring the characters’ emotional and moral imprisonment.
Writing Style: Lyrical Yet Grounded
Sharon Short’s prose is lyrical without losing the grit essential to a suspense novel. Her ability to shift between poetic descriptions and sharp, dialogue-driven scenes demonstrates her versatility.
Highlights:
- The opening sequence, which juxtaposes the natural beauty of the island with the lurking menace, sets the tone beautifully.
- Short’s use of historical details, like the Prohibition-era smuggling operations, enriches the narrative.
Critique: In some instances, the lyrical style detracts from the immediacy of the action. A more streamlined approach during climactic scenes would amplify their impact.
Comparing Sharon Short’s Works and Similar Novels
Sharon Short’s previous works, such as her Patricia Delaney series, showcase her knack for weaving mystery with character-driven narratives. Trouble Island shares this strength but distinguishes itself with its historical setting and standalone format.
Fans of historical mysteries like Kate Morton’s The Clockmaker’s Daughter or Susan Meissner’s The Nature of Fragile Things will find much to admire in Trouble Island. Similarly, readers of Agatha Christie’s closed-circle mysteries will appreciate the tension and intrigue Short creates.
Final Verdict: A Richly Layered Mystery Worth Exploring
Trouble Island by Sharon Short is an evocative, suspenseful tale that lingers in the reader’s mind. Sharon Short’s vivid prose, complex characters, and historical depth make this a standout entry in the mystery genre. While it stumbles in pacing and the resolution of certain subplots, its strengths far outweigh its flaws.
For readers seeking a locked-room mystery with a historical twist, Trouble Island delivers a gripping experience that combines atmospheric storytelling with keen psychological insight. Sharon Short’s standalone debut marks a promising expansion of her repertoire, leaving fans eager for what she will tackle next.
