Padanaram Village

One Little Guy, One Big Problem

Fiction - Mystery - General
227 Pages
Reviewed on 06/26/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by David Jaggart for Readers' Favorite

Padanaram Village by Jack Burbank is a riveting mystery thriller that follows Richard Lewis (Rich), a once-preeminent architect whose life has spun out of control after an unpleasant divorce and rising financial debt. Hoping to secure a fresh start for himself in a tranquil New England town called Padanaram, Rich unexpectedly stumbles upon a dead body and suitcases loaded with cash on the coastal dunes. This startling discovery launches him into a tumultuous world overrun by unlawful elements and treachery. Rich ultimately finds himself tangled in the criminal underworld, which results in him being pursued by the mafia, a drug cartel, and federal agents. Legal woes, IRS inquiries, and a complex relationship with Gail, a new romantic interest, gradually pervade his life. As danger approaches from all sides, Rich must decide between the formidable forces shadowing him and whether to keep the money for himself.

Padanaram Village by Jack Burbank delivers an entrancing blend of criminal intrigue, legal drama, suspense, dark humor, and a well-balanced touch of romance. The pacing is tight, the plot layered, and Rich is a savvy, creative protagonist with a knack for swiftly thinking on his feet. Even the secondary characters—including those from the mafia and the cartel—feel multi-dimensional, refreshing, and grounded. While the story occasionally leans into the typical murder mystery motif, it remains a thoroughly amusing and delightful read. Padanaram Village will entice fans of quick-paced crime thrillers with a coastal allure and morally complex protagonist. If you are captivated by stories featuring an intriguing main character who gets caught in a web of murder and stalked by crime bosses, this book is well worth reading. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys murder mystery thrillers with sharp writing and engaging characters.