Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

My own curiosity about the setting and the author's approach to the alternative history is what tempted me to pick up this selection. But also after reading so many mysteries it is nice to enjoy one that has something unique to offer. The end result is that I enjoyed the story and believe it may even make a good book club selection as it offers several discussion opportunities on overall themes about location and setting, society differences and how the different governments function, as well as history in general. The story follows Chibenashi, a Peace Keeper. Approximately 20 years ago his mother was murdered with his father confessing to the crime. Since that day he has had to take care of his younger sister, who requires his almost constant attention. But then the murder of his mother's best friend starts him down a path he isn't eager to revisit. Soon he finds he must travel to Shikaakwa (Chicago) as part of the investigation and begins the process of discovering the truth about the current murder and perhaps even discovers a little about himself and his past. Truthfully, Chibenashi probably isn't the best peace keeper as he does a few things wrong, but I found him a relatable and sympathetic character. The Peace Keeper is set in an uncolonized North America, but it is possible the entire world remained uncolonized as the narrative describes various parts of it as "Europe, the Islamic Empire, Aztec, and Mayan". In North America, society and government is unique and different. Gone are prosecutors and DAs. Instead there are Mediators who represents the different sides and where imprisoning someone for a crime is not the norm, but the exception as they look to rehabilitate offenders and offer "restitution to the Victims." And even though the book presents itself from an alternative historical point of view, this type of change never feels over the top or in-your-face, but is more subtle and natural. Overall, I found the alternative history portion interesting - from the description of living skyscrapers to discussions on societal and criminal justice system differences. I also appreciated how the author handled Chibenashi's guilt, depression, and resolution at the end. There are several points within the story I found thought-provoking, which is why I can see it as a potential book club selection. The murder mystery and investigation was ok, but it takes a little time before the investigation gets started in earnest.