Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Improbable Future (A Cadence Mystery #5) is a thriller featuring Madison Hayward, a beautiful survivor whose life is imploding around her. Her abusive father is found dead in his prison cell, which sets the events of the book in motion. Her mother, Patricia, dies in prison soon after, raising even more questions. With the help of her chosen family, Madison must try to reconcile her past with her present even as sinister forces seek to shut her up...permanently.
Prose: Hagan's prose gives readers entry into Madison's chaotic, dangerous world.
Originality: Madison's story is fascinating, her history horrific, and her chosen family has plenty of baggage as well.
Character/Execution: Madison's backstory is gut-wrenching, and readers will enjoy seeing her embroiled in a mystery. Her chosen family (e.g. Enoch, Henrietta, Lester, Phil, Joshua.), are compelling individuals themselves, with their own trials to overcome, but Madison story and personality can overwhelm the narrative.
Date Submitted: June 18, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars A Mystery in Warp Speed
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2024
In Improbable Future, Ms. Hagan has brought the humble mystery novel to a high art. Her depiction of pure evil and its lasting effects is so well done that even the polite mysteries of Agatha Christie are just simple fun in comparison. The intricate weavings that Ms. Hagan is so adept at made it more than my worth my terrible sadness for the characters to engage in. Ms. Hagan digs deep and creates a world with her core of characters that she introduced us to throughout the previous Cadence Mystery Series books which are all filled with suspense, surprises, and the kind of camaraderie that can heal broken hearts. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Book number five of the Cadence Mystery series takes our friends to Albany, NY for a thrilling adventure. The huge mansion they visit is truly a house of horrors and terrible truths are unearthed there. Dianne leads us through the story with her trademark wit, vivid imagery and her wonderful knack for story telling. I couldn’t put this one down. And I so enjoyed the chapter titles! Thank you, Dianne, for sharing your gift with the world. I look forward to your next work!
Following Samuel Hayward's death in his prison cell, news reports insist it was not a suicide. Wealthy, influential, and corrupt, he was revered as the Messiah by a misguided group of violent racists. Madison Hayward returns to the mansion in Albany, New York, where she endured a traumatic childhood. As the next in line to inherit Samuel's wealth, she finds herself at a crossroads. Seeking closure for her past abuse and the secrets she has harbored, Madison breaks off her engagement and becomes ensnared in the painful memories of her youth. In her quest for support, Madison reaches out to her Cadence family. But safety is elusive, and trust is scarce in this gripping mystery novel, as her return unveils a deadly web of secrets.
Improbable Future by Dianne L. Hagan is the fifth book in the Cadence Mystery series. This compelling story delves into the harsh realities of racism, religious fanaticism, and systemic injustice. As the title suggests, the pervasive corruption, hatred, and wickedness in society have eroded the hope for a better future. The novel addresses both sexual and physical abuse, making it a poignant and intense read. Hagan's storytelling is masterful, with a captivating plot filled with suspense and tinged with horror. The setting—a mansion with a tragic history—adds depth to the narrative. Madison Hayward is a complex character, driven by her painful past and a desire to make a positive change in the world. Her interactions with a diverse and supportive group of friends and family are heartwarming. The ongoing backstory suggests that readers will benefit from reading the previous books in the Cadence Mystery series to fully grasp the narrative's nuances. Fans of suspenseful thrillers will find this journey to uncover corruption and seek justice both engaging and thought-provoking.
Improbable Future by Dianne L. Hagan is a riveting addition to the Cadence Mystery series, blending suspense, emotional depth, and social commentary. Madison Hayward's journey through her traumatic past and her fight against the legacies of corruption and injustice make for a compelling narrative. This novel not only entertains but also challenges readers to reflect on the pervasive issues of racism and abuse.
