The Cry of the Cuckoos

John Wayne Cargile
Eloquent Books (2008)
ISBN 9780606935262
Reviewed by Richard Blake for Reader Views (11/08)

“The Cry of the Cuckoos” is the story of a son separated from his biological mother for over sixty years. They were reunited for the first time after she becomes a suspect in the murder of his father. Donald Drummond, the main character, is a retired news reporter. Award-winning writer John Wayne Cargile incorporates similarities from his own life in this novel of romance, murder, and intrigue.

Henry Drummond, Donald’s father, was the leader of a rightwing supremacist group called the Society of Southron Patriots, whose goal was deception. It was also rumored that he had Mafia connections. After Henry’s death, by arsenic poisoning, a terrorist plot aimed at killing Washington diplomats by poisoning the food at the concessions of the Super Bowl was uncovered. United Nations delegates were a target of this conspiracy.

Donald and his wife Anne were recruited by the FBI to work undercover as informants to help untangle the web of deception surrounding his father’s death. A fast-moving, complex plot took the couple from Alabamato Texas where they encountered another murder with surprise twists and turns along the way.

Cargile carefully puts in place background details which provide interesting technical and medical information. His training in religion, psychology, and philosophy, as well as his strong interest in integral psychology and spirituality, are apparent throughout John’s writing. “The Cry of the Cuckoos” becomes a platform for him to help people integrate their mind, body and Spirit into a Holistic lifestyle. Cargile’s character development reflects his understanding of flawed personalities. His narrative provides a related analysis of their symptoms, motivations, and resulting actions. The strength of character of the genuine religious or spiritual person is contrasted with the lip service and lifestyle of deception in those motivated by selfishness and greed. These characters become colorful composites, expressions of idealism, reality, and deception.

I was quickly drawn into the story of “The Cry of the Cuckoos” and the theme of deceit and forgiveness. Cargile’s writing style is crisp, direct, and engaging. While I found this directness appealing, it may be seen as too simplistic for others. Transitions of locale or time-frame and the pacing of conflict and resolution confronted by the protagonists were well-paced, maintaining the suspense element of the story.

I felt the story ended quite quickly, somewhat abruptly; however, an “afterward” wrapped up all the loose ends and gave closure to unanswered questions. The final chapters create the possibility of a sequel. “The Cry of the Cuckoos” by John Wayne Cargile will appeal to readers who enjoy mystery, intrigue, and romance. Cargile’s writing is thoroughly entertaining and highly informative.

 

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