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A suspenseful mystery about love, secrets and immigration

Philip Zozzaro, BookTrib.com on

Published in Mom's Advice

In "Danger, No Problem," author Cindy Fazzi has written an engaging mystery about one man’s continuous pursuit of the one he let get away. The story unfolds over 20 years, with chapters alternating between the past (1998, 2008) and the present, illustrating how Domingo’s relationship with his target, Monica Reed, evolved and ultimately led to his current case.

The key to his current enigmatic case may lie in the past; Domingo only has to assemble the relevant pieces in hopes of finding Monica before it’s too late.

Domingo is a skip tracer who specializes in tracking down undocumented immigrants who have broken the law. Domingo is also working on a book for aspiring citizens, filled with helpful tidbits, as Domingo (aka Sunday) is a Filipino who became a US citizen through legal channels.

He sympathizes with the plight of hopeful yet undocumented immigrants and believes his guide will inspire prospective newcomers. In a country where immigration continues to be a contentious topic, Domingo serves as both bouncer and guardian angel.

In his decades-long work as a bail enforcement agent, Domingo has had many successes while occasionally dodging fists and bullets from non-compliant detainees. The only blemish on his record is a young woman named Monica Reed.

In 1998, Domingo’s services were requested in apprehending Ms. Reed and having her sent back to her home country. Monica had overstayed her visa, but her “egregious” criminal act was claiming General Leonard Reed was her father, a US citizen who had an illicit liaison with Monica’s mother when he was stationed in the Philippines. Whether it was her stark beauty or genuine friendliness, Domingo was disarmed by Monica and allowed her to remain free.

Domingo crossed paths with Monica again in 2008 when General Reed was dying and wanted a reconciliation with his daughter. However, there is more to this reunion than a genuine desire to set things right, as the General hoped Monica would donate a kidney to him, and Domingo learns that the General’s nature remains as cold-blooded as when he refused to acknowledge his daughter.

Domingo helps Monica extricate herself from a potentially deadly situation and bids goodbye to her once again, but with his heart a little heavier.

When Domingo is summoned to locate Monica Reed for a third time, it is at the behest of Mary Reed, the widow of the late General. Mary Reed is on her deathbed and filled with regret at the actions of her husband and her own inaction; she wants Monica brought to her so she can make peace and give her her birthright.

 

However, Domingo has his work cut out for him, as no one really seems to know where Monica is, and every lead turns up a dead end.

The palpable suspense escalates as Domingo investigates leads on the East and West coasts, with one valuable witness ending up dead and Domingo having more questions than answers.

"Danger, No Problem" is an intelligent and thought-provoking read, headlined by a charismatic and empathetic protagonist. Domingo is a man of great conscience, which leads to his initial act of disobedience in his job by letting Monica Reed go.

While the immigration topic remains polarizing, author Cindy Fazzi approaches the subject in a more common-sense way, where there can be enforcement and tolerance.

The inclusion of excerpts from Domingo’s book project at the beginning of various chapters provides a window into his compassionate heart and thoughtful mind. He is the antithesis of the firebrand pundits who stoke fear and division on the airwaves. Domingo is forced into battle against hypocritical men who seek to bury their pasts — by burying Monica, who knows their secrets.

The narrative allows for Domingo’s character to develop in a way that shows he’s more than a bounty hunter. He empathizes with fellow immigrants and would rather help than hunt them. His feelings for Monica evolve from target to someone he has come to love.

At its core, this excellent and at times moving story is about love, acceptance and understanding. And there are more than enough surprises in the plot to satisfy readers.


 

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