Of Magpies and Men

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Of Magpies and Men

Thank you to Ode Ray for providing me with a copy for an honest review.

Benedict struggles to come to terms with his homosexuality. Despite his mother's approval of love in all forms, and the continued reassurance from those around him. He wants to have children and is conflicted by his attraction to men.

Marie is a single mother who struggles to make ends meet. Having come from a dysfunctional family, she's done the best she can to provide for her son. She never seems to find the right man, and wants nothing more than a better home for her son.

Of Magpies and Men weaves together an intricate story of seemingly unrelatable plots. Ode Ray pulls together a combination of struggling characters and spins a tale of sophisticated mystery. The plot is nonlinear, flashing between present day and the past to slowly piece together the full picture. What readers first suspect is a murder mystery, becomes so much more.

I will admit that Marie and Benedict had a habit of over explaining jokes. But aside from some of the misplaced humor, Marie and Benedict shared compelling storylines. They both lead vastly different lives that gradually gravitated towards one another. And the journey to reach their joint story is filled with tension and anticipation. I couldn't wait to find out all the finer details that made these two characters somehow connect.

Readers who enjoy novels that take place internationally and family fiction will want to pick up Of Magpies and Men. The characters will win you over and take you on a journey throughout London, UK and Marseille, France. All the while keeping you guessing as to what will happen next.