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Unsolved: A Frank Renzi Crime Thriller

By: Susan Fleet
Publisher: Music & Mayhem Press
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
ISBN: 978-1-7321301-4-2
Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose
Review Date: February 3, 2025

Stories based on true crime have always intrigued readers, but with classic detective novels like that of Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot circulating in the literary market, it is definitely not an easy feat for an independent author to find her own niche. Despite that, Susan Fleet’s character, Frank Renzi, with his gritty yet empathetic attitude is very popular among contemporary readers and her works have been acknowledged, receiving appreciation from various different sources.

Set in the busy streets of New Orleans, Fleet introduces us to a sinister darker side of the city throughout Unsolved, a gripping crime thriller, which is also the twelfth book in her detective series. The story revolves around two main characters: Zack and Frank. Zack, a former cop turned murderer goes off the grid for eight years after killing his ex-wife and leaving behind his 5 year old daughter, Lily. However, with time he starts missing his daughter and longs to be by her side. Determined to reunite with his daughter who is now 13 years old, and staying in a rehabilitation center for children with behavioral issues, Zack devises a plan to meet Lily secretly and to help her run away from that prison-like facility, without raising the NOPD’s suspicions. He cannot afford to get caught by law enforcement while on the run with Lily. If he gets caught, he would immediately be arrested and go to jail. Frank, a well-respected homicide detective known for his genuine and sympathetic nature, is ordered by his superior, Beverly to solve a cold case from eight years ago, which just happens to be Zack’s murder case.

The fact that the story begins with one of the characters possibly having killed someone unintentionally, gives us an inkling of the existing moral values of this character. Additionally, the graphic description of the dead body heightens the bone-chilling effect of such an act of violence. What is even more jarring is the lack of a sense of remorse or guilt felt by the murderer. Zack’s resolution to get Lily out of her home for wayward children turns almost obsessive when he stops caring about what his actions mean and how they could jeopardize his future even more.

It is clear from her narratives that Fleet has mastered the art of creating characters with unique personalities. They are so realistic and at times flawed that it makes them more relatable to people. Initially, for a few moments, we are almost tempted to support Zack even though we know he is a vicious murderer who later goes on to commit various acts of crime. The author focuses mainly on the qualities of each of the two characters Zack and Frank as they were shaped in such a way to act as a foil to one another.

Although women’s role in the book has been largely compromised, it is still heartening to see them occupy at least a supporting role. Overall, the story has a range of diverse characters, each of them bringing something new to the equation and instead of remaining in the background, they actively contribute towards the growth and evolution of the protagonists. Ultimately, Unsolved is an engrossing book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys crime and mystery novels.

Quill says: Unsolved is bound to become a popular crime thriller that will keep its readers enthralled until the end!

For more information on Unsolved, please visit the author’s website at: www.susanfleet.com.