The Death Sommelier

Author Gillian Flynn once said, “A great thriller, to me is more about creating a sense of unease: a queasiness that comes with knowing something is not quite right.” In author Frank Stephenson’s novel The Death Sommelier, the author creates that feeling of uneasiness and navigates a thriller like no other as one man struggles to find the cause of several deaths of Navajo people, but finds another reason altogether for taking this job on.

In The Death Sommelier, Frank Stephenson takes readers on a journey as they investigate both the mysterious deaths of these Navajo people and the disturbing murders of young Navajo women. This is the third novel to feature protagonist USGS Geologist Dr. Fred Sager, as the author delves into the grisly deaths affecting a Navajo community while Fred deals with the painful memories of the past and a shocking revelation he never could have seen coming.

Stephenson does a marvelous job of creating tension in this novel which lends to the thriller’s narrative being told. From Fred’s confrontation with his past and his present, to the spine-chilling deaths that would haunt anyone’s dreams, the imagery created throughout the interactions between Fred and investigators he is working with make this a fantastic read. The author also expertly blends passages regarding the history of the Navajo people, as well as the Native American people as a whole, as they faced cruel and unjust conditions at the hands of the forming United States government during the 19th century.

This is a must read novel for anyone who enjoys the thriller, suspense or even the more realistic horror genres. More inclined to the thriller however, the story is perfect for anyone who enjoys good mysteries, emotional and tension filled character relationships, all with a narrative from the protagonist’s point of view which fuses humor and wit like no other. Readers will instantly be drawn into this book; as I am a huge fan of the genre, and this book perfectly kept me on the edge of my seat as each new twist and turn in the case was subtly revealed.

Overall this is a must read novel. Filled with intensity, passion and shocking revelations, this story works perfectly for both fans of the other Dr. Fred Sager novel’s or newcomers alike (like myself). It’s the kind of series that allows anyone to jump into it, introducing the characters naturally. An even paced read, this is the perfect read for any fan of the thriller genre.