Goodbye Evilwood
Vladimir Chernozemsky
Reviewed by Barb Radmore
Good bye Evilwood is at its best as a psychological thriller. Its plot
twists are generous and plentiful. It is a study in characters that
actually behave to match their personalities, unfortunately these are
not nice characters. The natural inclination to think the best of
people does not serve the reader well in solving this story. The author
has worked extensively in the world of Hollywood drama. This lends a
realistic edge to this murder mystery.
The tale is told in chapters that are told in either the voice of the
main character, Peter Arvad, or by the investigating officer,
Charlie Reason (cute name). Inter mixed are the other sections "To Whom
it May Concern" which steps outside of the first person to other
first person additions from different characters. A woman has been
murdered, but exactly who she is becomes increasingly complex. The
motive for her murder is equally convoluted. As the voices of the
various characters are heard, a story of intrigue, hidden actions and
murder is told in vivid detail. A wide cast makes muddied ripples on
the scenes, each with a wave to add to the sea of mystery. As the
story's tide gets higher and higher, the plot expands and swells.
Vladimir Chernozemsky has had a varied career in Bulgaria, Europe and
United States, where he now lives. His background includes
playwright and screen writer. It is these influences that come out most
clearly in Goodbye Evilwood. It reads more as a play than a novel. The
author is able to both the action and the thoughts of the characters
without lessening its effect on the plot. Since it is often told
in the first person this is quite a feat.