Review: "Saffire" by Sigmund Brouwer

I requested this book because I love Sigmund Brouwer’s novel, Thief of Glory, and this lived up to my expectations. The setting is Panama, 1909, and the building of the Panama Canal. President Teddy Roosevelt has been accused of being part of a secret consortium that benefitted from the sale of the company that was building the Panama Canal. James Holt, a cowboy from the Dakotas and a friend of Teddy Roosevelt, is sent there to investigate and return with information to dispel the rumors. Upon his arrival, James meets Saffire, whose mother has left under suspicion of theft. Saffire knows that this is false and is trying to get the Americans building the canal to investigate but to no avail. James befriends her and vows to help her while he performs his official duties, never realizing that the mother’s disappearance is directly connected to his investigation. The plot is a hotbed of intrigue that twists and turns till the climatic end.

This story is told in the first person by the main character, James Holt. Using this writing style, Mr. Brouwer is able to fully develop this character by slowly revealing his past by people and places hinted at as the story progresses. This style compels you to continue reading not only because of the conspiracy that is unraveling but also to uncover James Holt’s tragic past.

I liked Sigmund Brouwer as an author before but I am definitely a fan after this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction wrapped in mystery. Also, as any good historical fiction does, it compelled me to investigate more about the building of the Panama Canal. It can be read and enjoyed by teenage to adult readers. The plot has many layers so be prepared for scheming and mystery.

I requested and received this book for review from Blogging for Books.