5 stars for Clouds Over Mountains by Matt Joseph #thriller #suspense #fiction #bookreview
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  • N. N. Light
    • Oct 11, 2023
    • 2 min read

5 stars for Clouds Over Mountains by Matt Joseph #thriller #suspense #fiction #bookreview



Title: Clouds Over Mountains

Author: Matt Joseph

Genre: Military Thriller, War Suspense


Book Blurb:


Read the Foreword Clarion book review of Clouds Over Mountains.


Fifty-three years after the end of World War II, Yasuo Saito lives in quiet retirement concealing his shameful past as a Japanese navy pilot. Margaret Roberts, a senior U.S. government official at the end of her pioneering career, confronts her mother’s failing health while she juggles nagging ambition and her quest for happiness.


Saito and Roberts each take refuge in Hawaii, where they help the FBI solve a mysterious shooting in Pearl Harbor. As that murder investigation unfolds, hidden stories are revealed that link Saito and Roberts to December 7, 1941, a day of infamy that pushed the world into war and would prove pivotal to both of them.


Against the backdrop of a shocking crime in late 1998, “Clouds Over Mountains” moves between modern-day Hawaii, Japan, and Washington, D.C., weaving recollections of pre-war Japan with contemporary political intrigue. The novel examines themes of love and family, shame and redemption, truth and hope, and how historical events continue to shape people's lives six decades later.


My Review:


Possibly one of the most compelling and unique ways to start a story. The reader is thrust into a tale that will keep them turning the pages as fast as they can. Evoking comparisons to the work of greats like Herman Wouk, this book is a deep and thoughtfully written tome that simply flows.


Masterful storytelling. The author is able to seamlessly flow between two time periods without any disruption to the flow of the story. This is a style of writing that is simply first rate. The story is intense but mysterious. The reader just keeps guessing and learning along with the characters. The ensemble cast of characters have been created with such vivacity that every character has wonderful depth.


The reader gets taken back into the days of the late 90’s with such incredible detail. If you wonder what life was like in that decade, then this book will provide a window to it. If you long for the days of the late 90’s, then this book will reward you by reminding you of that time.


If you are a fan of military mysteries that are not easy to pigeonhole, then this book is for you. A strikingly well-done work that rewards the reader who starts this book. An incredibly detailed story that shows a depth of storytelling rarely seen.


My Rating: 5 stars


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Author Biography:


Matt Joseph is an attorney in Silicon Valley. He lives with his family in San Mateo, California. He has not previously published fiction and this is his first novel. He's working on a collection of short stories and has published many technical articles in trade and professional publications.


Reviewed by: Mr. N

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