Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

A Matter of Issue by Carollyne Haynes takes a closer look at family relationships, elder abuse, and the problems that can occur when children allow greed and avarice to cloud their judgment of their family, once money becomes involved. It asks important questions such as when does caring become controlling and what rights do the elderly often lose when they rely on their children for care? Charles has worked hard all his life and created a nice little investment portfolio for his retirement. The death of his wife has hit him hard and his health is on the decline. Enter son Kirk and his wife, who live in the same town as Charles. They will provide the much-needed help Dad needs, but at what cost? Other son, Bill, and his family live off the island, on the mainland, and are unable to keep too close a check on what Kirk and his wife are up to. When an old friend, Mary, now a widow, reenters Charles’ life and romance blossoms, all hell breaks loose amongst the children.

I found A Matter of Issue to be a sensitive look at what is doubtless a common problem right across all western cultures. The characters were well drawn, almost to the point of caricature, with the “evil” Kirk and his sense of entitlement balancing beautifully against the rational, caring brother, Bill. With a number of clever little side plots, Haynes has done a wonderful job of wrapping her story around some very big and very underrated societal issues that affect our ever-aging population. With Haynes not afraid to be ruthless in her arcs, I found A Matter of Issue to be an excellent family drama that highlighted a pressing concern. Kudos to the author for this story whose time has come.