Title: Abbadon’s Locust
Series: BJ Vinson Mysteries, Book #5
Author: Don Travis
Genre: Mystery
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Publisher: DSP Publications
Pages/Word Count: 385 Pages
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JLHKJLY/
Reviewer: Maryann
About the Book:
When B. J. Vinson, confidential investigator, learns his young friend, Jazz Penrod, has disappeared and has not been heard from in a month, he discovers some ominous emails. Jazz has been corresponding with a “Juan” through a dating site, and that single clue draws BJ and his significant other, Paul Barton, into the brutal but lucrative world of human trafficking.
Their trail leads to a mysterious Albuquerquean known only as Silver Wings, who protects the Bulgarian cartel that moves people—mostly the young and vulnerable—around the state to be sold into modern-day slavery, sexual and otherwise. Can BJ and Paul locate and expose Silver Wings without putting Jazz’s life in jeopardy? Hell, can they do so without putting themselves at risk? People start dying as BJ, Paul, and Henry Secatero, Jazz’s Navajo half-brother, get too close. To find the answer, bring down the ring, and save Jazz, they’ll need to locate the place where human trafficking ties into the Navajo Nation and the gay underground.
The Review:
Don Travis brings back Henry Secatero and his half brother Jasper “Jazz” Penrod from “The Bisti Business”, where they both befriended and helped BJ Vinson and Paul Barton with a dangerous case.
Henry has come to Albuquerque to ask for BJ’s help in finding Jazz, who’s gone missing without a word. It seems in Jazz’s search for finding someone special to be in his life, has made contact with an individual on-line and there’s every possibility that it leads to a human trafficking cartel. BJ’s boyfriend Paul, fits the profile to help in the case and jumps in immediately. BJ not only fears for Jazz but his fear becomes even greater for Paul.
“Abaddons’s Locust is another smartly written installment in “A BJ Vinson Mystery”. From the start the tension is thick and keeps the reader on edge with murders and the look into the world of drugs and human trafficking.
The plot of the mystery covers cartels, corruption and some very sensitive issues: human trafficking, abuse, drugs and how the Navajo Nation becomes easy prey for men who are greedy and evil. Don Travis handles these issues very professionally and that’s what makes this story and series amazing. The technical aspect of the investigation procedure and BJ’s thought process in solving the case really stands out in this novel.
The personal and physical relationship between Paul and BJ still has that subtle spark of newness and is handled just right. Paul has grown throughout the series and is now an investigative journalist and is willing to jump into the fire to help Jazz. Along with Paul’s independence, BJ’s anxiety and fears for Paul grow. I like how Don Travis keeps this relationship with Paul and BJ fresh, real and honest.
There’s a great cast of characters who are always there to support BJ: Paul Barton who’s amazing; Del Dahlman, attorney and former ex of BJ’s; Hazel Harris, long time secretary; Charlie Weeks, friend/retired cop; Jim Gray, who’s always handy to fly BJ anywhere; Lt. Gene Enriquez, BJ’s old partner from the APD and the incredible Mrs. Wordlow. With the return of Jazz and Henry there’s also a Kalh Hatahle who adds a bright spot to the story.
Don Travis is an amazing author and “A BJ Vinson Mystery” has become one of my top mystery series and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves expertly written mysteries.
