Book Review: ‘Muffin Man’ by Stephan Collina

The threat of terrorism is often realized throughout the world. Many times, these threats come from outside sources, different countries with differing beliefs and wants. Yet there is also the danger lurking within the countries, those ideas and beliefs that run a divergent path to what the government delivers. Nestled within the safety of being a citizen, the terror radiating from the internal patriots can prove more deadly than that from distant shores.

The Muffin Man by Stephan Collina, takes us on a collision course through betrayal, love, drugs and political manipulation. A chain of events that will rock the country to its very fiber is triggered after the president’s wife experiences a premonition. The events begin with strange incidences that seem distinct, yet begin to weave into delicate patterns that strengthen as time moves forward. Interactions begin that tie and then later bind, guiding and directing an eclectic group of individuals to a common goal, one that is known to only a select few.

Acting with impunity, and given free reign, nothing is considered sacred in the form of moral rectitude. Life and death hold little meaning, yet jealousy and rage burst forth with vigor, threatening to topple all the pieces already put into place. Betrayal carries a sentence and yet depravity guarantees its place.

In an intricate and deadly pattern, Collina takes us on a journey through time, presenting characters as diverse as the nation and its history. Their flaws and emotions create depth, while the their anger and mistakes pull the reader forward, holding interest. The intensity builds slowly, and while there seems to be some strange and out of cycle distractions, Collina slowly pulls the rope allowing the curtain to raise just inches at a time as he draws out the drama.

While I found the buildup and foreshadowing to be slow reading, the novel’s events can only come together by such careful building. If you enjoy and history, political intrigue, a chilling tale, and human interest you may find this to your liking. The surprise ending was a bit of a shock, and I was not comfortable with it, yet as the plot’s dust settled I could finally understand the events.

I enjoyed the interplay amongst many of the characters, and they felt authentic.The events are plausible, yet one can be glad that it’s only fiction. However if you enjoy a tales that embody the possibility of immense and sinister repercussions, you have found the novel to take you there. This would be a strong book for a reading or discussion group.