Bishop Fontaine, a buttoned-up widower, father, and funeral
director, dies. In death, as he did in life, Bishop leaves
an indelible mark on his circle of family, friends, and
acquaintances.
Daughter Kristine understands that others are saddened by
her father's death. She's not.
Up-and-coming singer Rayne will miss Bishop because he was
the only person helping her to remain on the straight and
narrow.
Business partner Lamar regards Bishop's death as the key to
unlocking what he has desired most.
Distant cousin and world boxing champion Cole respected
Bishop and considers the truth of the words he shared about
life...and Cole's wife, Nora.
THAT DEVIL'S NO FRIEND OF MINE is one of those stories which
keep the reader off balance. Even as I understood how
Bishop influenced or manipulated each person touched by his
death, and how they each faced and dealt with their own
"devil", I found myself hoping for a big, happy ending, just
so I could get back on even keel.
The ending is bittersweet, as some characters face their
comeuppance and others find their salvation. J. D. Mason is
a masterful storyteller, able to skillfully weave together
these distinct stories with the common thread of Bishop
Fontaine, while occasionally throwing in other seemingly
insignificant ties. Each character is fully developed, and
the reader feels as tough he's witnessed four fully told
stories.
Yet, kind of like watching multiple full-length movies in a
single afternoon theater visit, after a while, the stories
begin to run together, and it's necessary to emerge from all
that darkness. In spite of it being a fast-paced read, I
wish I'd been able to pause and savor each story with THAT
DEVIL'S NO FRIEND OF MINE individually.
Although this was my first J. D. Mason novel, I definitely
would read more given the opportunity.
When Bishop Fontaine passed away, he left behind
more than a list of good deeds. He was known as a caring
friend and doting father...but he was also manipulative and
controlling, especially to those he loved. His death begins
to unravel deep secrets and shocking desires among the
people he cared most about. Five very different people
whose lives are only connected by Bishop suddenly find
themselves up close and personal as desires, dreams and
passions collide.
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