Review of CONTAINMENT by Vanda Symon

3 Stars

This is the third detective novel in the Sam Shephard series set in New Zealand to which I’ve been listening on morning walks.

The book begins with sea containers from a grounded ship washing up on a remote beach.  Trying to stop scavengers from looting the containers, Sam is assaulted.  Nonetheless, she is soon investigating the death of a diver who did not die from drowning.  Unsurprisingly, this murder proves to be connected to the cargo of the grounded ship. 

This book has much in common with its two predecessors.  There are the confrontations with Sam’s boss, D. I. Johns, who relegates Sam to unpleasant or menial tasks.  As expected, her work ends up connected to a major investigation, and she is the one who uncovers the truth.  Sam’s personal life, especially a romantic relationship, receives some attention. 

Sam’s personality is as developed in the previous books.  She is feisty and outspoken; both traits sometimes cause her difficulties in both her professional and personal life.  Her tendency to over-react also leads to problems.

The short chapters mean that the book moves along at a fast pace.  The humour in some of the scenes and in Sam’s sarcastic comments adds to the enjoyment.  Though there are also dramatic and serious scenes with less-than-happy outcomes. 

Predictable and undemanding, this series makes for good listening.  At the end of each book, there are some unanswered questions and unresolved issues/conflicts which entice the reader to pick up the next book in the series.