Sharon Short’s Trouble Island is a poignant blend of historical fiction and mystery thriller, set against the backdrop of a desolate, storm-battered island in Lake Erie during the Prohibition era. Inspired by real-life events and locales from Short’s family history, this novel intricately weaves themes of survival, betrayal, and resilience. While it delivers on its promise of an atmospheric and gripping tale, it also leaves room for nuanced critique, reflecting both the author’s triumphs and areas for growth.
Plot Overview: Intrigue Amid Isolation
Set in 1932, the narrative centers on Aurelia Escalante, a maid to Rosita McGee, the glamorous yet tormented wife of notorious gangster Eddie McGee. Trouble Island by Sharon Short serves as their isolated sanctuary, a microcosm of tension and secrets. Aurelia, concealing her true identity as a gangster’s widow fleeing her own past, finds herself trapped—not just by the icy waters surrounding the island but by the weight of her own guilt and the machinations of the McGee entourage.
The arrival of Eddie, his dubious companions, and a brutal ice storm turns the secluded island into a locked-room mystery. When Rosita’s body is discovered, the stakes escalate, forcing Aurelia to confront her darkest fears and make impossible choices. The plot moves swiftly, blending a suspenseful whodunit with a character-driven exploration of loyalty, freedom, and identity.
Character Analysis: Complex Women in Crisis
Aurelia Escalante: A Woman on the Brink
Aurelia is the heart of the novel. Her internal struggles—marked by a yearning for freedom and redemption—are masterfully depicted. Short paints her as both resilient and vulnerable, a woman whose survival instincts are as sharp as her guilt is crippling. Her transformation from a fugitive to a reluctant detective navigating a web of lies and power dynamics is compelling, though at times, her passivity in key moments feels inconsistent with her otherwise determined character.
Rosita McGee: A Puzzle of Glamour and Despair
Rosita is equally enigmatic, her strength and fragility making her an absorbing foil to Aurelia. Her tragic end underscores her role as both victim and manipulator in a world dominated by men. Short captures Rosita’s pain with a quiet elegance, but some aspects of her characterization—especially her motivations—feel underexplored.
Supporting Cast: A Gallery of Shadows
Eddie McGee’s presence looms large, his charisma barely masking a deep ruthlessness. The diverse supporting cast, including a rival gangster, a disillusioned actor, and a dubious doctor, adds layers to the narrative, though some characters verge on archetypes rather than fully realized individuals. The interplay among these figures enhances the tension but occasionally feels overstuffed.
Writing Style: Elegance Meets Suspense
Sharon Short’s prose is evocative, with a lyrical quality that captures the desolation of Trouble Island. The stark beauty of the setting—a frozen expanse dotted with wildlife and framed by the relentless lake—is rendered in vivid detail, often mirroring the characters’ emotional isolation.
Short’s pacing, however, is a double-edged sword. While the narrative’s swift movement keeps readers engaged, certain moments—especially those critical to character development—feel rushed. The tension peaks and valleys effectively, but a more measured build-up could have deepened the impact of key revelations.
Themes: Survival, Identity, and Redemption
Isolation and Survival
The island itself is a character, a relentless force shaping the lives of those who inhabit it. Short masterfully conveys how physical and emotional isolation can both challenge and transform individuals.
Secrets and Identity
Aurelia’s dual identity and the intricate web of lies surrounding the McGee family highlight the destructive power of secrets. The novel probes the lengths to which people go to protect themselves, often at great moral cost.
Resilience and Redemption
At its core, Trouble Island is about resilience—of women like Aurelia and Rosita, who endure unimaginable hardships. Their stories remind readers of the strength it takes to seek redemption in an unforgiving world.
Strengths: What Stands Out
Atmosphere: The setting is breathtakingly rendered, pulling readers into a world that feels both claustrophobic and expansive.
Strong Female Protagonists: Aurelia and Rosita’s nuanced portrayals ground the story, offering a fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by male characters.
Authenticity: The historical details—from Prohibition-era dynamics to the social mores of the 1930s—are meticulously researched, lending credibility to the narrative.
Critiques: Room for Improvement
Overcrowded Plot
The sheer number of subplots and characters can be overwhelming, occasionally detracting from the central mystery. Simplifying the narrative focus might have heightened its impact.
Character Depth
While Aurelia is well-drawn, some supporting characters feel one-dimensional. For example, Eddie’s motivations could have been explored more deeply to add complexity to his villainy.
Abrupt Transitions
Certain pivotal scenes—particularly Rosita’s death—lack the emotional resonance they could have had with more deliberate pacing.
Comparative Insights: Where It Fits in the Genre
Fans of historical mysteries like The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles or The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward will find much to love in Trouble Island. Like these works, Short’s novel intertwines history with suspense, creating a rich tapestry of human experience. However, Trouble Island by Sharon Short stands out for its focus on female perspectives in a male-dominated underworld, offering a fresh take on familiar tropes.
Personal Take: A Journey Worth Taking
Reading Trouble Island by Sharon Short feels like being swept into a snowstorm—disorienting yet exhilarating. Short’s ability to marry historical authenticity with a gripping mystery kept me turning pages, even as I occasionally longed for more depth in certain areas. Aurelia’s journey, in particular, resonated deeply, serving as a reminder of the strength it takes to confront the ghosts of one’s past.
Wrapping It Up: A Suspenseful Triumph with Minor Flaws
Sharon Short’s Trouble Island is a standout debut in the suspense genre, offering a thrilling yet poignant narrative rooted in history. While not without its imperfections, the novel’s rich atmosphere, complex protagonists, and intricate plot make it a rewarding read for fans of historical fiction and mysteries alike.
Similar Reads to Explore
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict
These titles echo the themes of resilience, historical intrigue, and the quiet strength of women navigating turbulent times.