The Invisible Ones by Stef Penney

My latest 'brain candy' read was The Invisible Ones by Stef Penney. Now, my idea of 'brain candy' isn't a book that is poorly written but engaging story nonetheless.  That would define..ahem...Twilight.  To me, 'brain candy' is a book that is very engaging, definitely keeps you turning pages, if not awake at night, and yes, is well written (poor writing makes me want to strangle the so-called 'editor' so it's not as delicious as real candy!)

The reason I liked The Invisible Ones so well is that it is a unique and different story, involves a mystery, and for once, I couldn't figure the puzzle out until the last twenty pages.  Now, for a person who grew up reading every Nancy Drew and Bobbsey Twins mystery, as well as a Law and Order junkie, that is a high compliment.

The story takes place in both flashback and real time, and two different perspectives - Ray Lowell, the Gypsy/Romany private eye and JJ, the Gypsy/Romany young boy whose family is at the heart of the mystery.  Ray is hired by a bereft Gypsy father who hasn't seen his daughter for six years.  Yes, this is the first time he's even thought of looking for her - thus, the beginning of the mystery.  As Ray digs deeper into this family and the inherent issues of their culture, their genetic disease, and Ray's own personal background of growing up half-Gypsy as well as his failed marriage, the story continuously builds upon itself.  I was compelled to continue reading, to discover the answers to the puzzle, just as Ray is. I would definitely recommend this book.