‘A Candle For Consuela’ by Mike Kingston is the first book in planned series named the Omega Files Quartet. It is a shocking political thriller that is inspired by true events. I always find these types of books hypnotising, I think the skill that you need in interweaving fact with fiction and make it seem credible has to be honed so sharply, or you end up with a story that doesn’t ring true at all.
Consuela fled El Salvador after experiencing torture from the El Salvadorian military. She eventually discovers refuge in London at St Mary Magdalen’s Catholic Church. Out of nowhere Senor Adolfo Guzman, an ex-military personnel from El Salvadore comes to the church. Consuela sees him arrive and her memories come flooding back. Her friend and the priest there, Father John Doyle is offered a £300,000 donation for the church. This is the exact money the church needs to successfully run a mission that himself and Consuela are working together on.
Father John is understandably suspicious and has a gut feeling about this El Salvadorian who has just appeared offering so much money. He decides to find out exactly why this man is in London and what his agenda is by offering so much money. He also notices the change in Consuela since Guzman arrived and wants to know why she is willing to leave the refuge he knows she has found within the church. Will he be able to stay true to his heart and will Consuela be able to stop her need for revenge?
Inspired by the El Salvadore civil war and the war crimes carried out in the 1980s, Mike Kingston has brought a fiction story of such realism and intricate detail that you could be excused if you thought this may be a fully true story. His eye for detail has made this a story that holds you from the first page until the last. Characters that are well-drawn and with a setting that gives the air of realness, I was gripped. I really needed to find out how it would end. What would Consuela and John Doyle do?
A powerful and compelling book that is perfectly paced and very interesting. Another book that I have been entertained and educated at the same time, one of my favourite types of book. I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Anne Cater and Mitre Publishing for my place on this tour and the gifted copy of the book to give you my thoughts.
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