This legal mystery was especially enjoyable because of its Montpelier Vermont setting, but it could have taken place in any community at this time. When the local high school raises a Black Lives Matter flag, another student group demands to raise a flag for gun rights, and threatens violence against the BLM supporters. The main character Sarah is kidnapped by a staunch believer in the second amendment in order to demand that the case against the threateners be dismissed. The dialogue of the characters sounds authentic and makes them seem like people you know. The amount of legal exposition, however, seems excessive as normal conversation, and some of it might have been included in author's notes. Still, this book resonates in view of current events and today's divisive attitudes, and highlights some of the issues communities are facing today. ( )

I have read some amazing books, but An Intent to Commit by Bernie Lambek does not fall under that category. The novel is extremely short but too much dialogue and too many legal cases for this lay person. The story rambled and I quickly lost interest. The foul language and intimate scenes populated too much of the story. I found no redeeming quality in this story. ( )

The story is about a kidnapping of a woman, Sarah, who is an activist for BLM and white supremacy. It reads more like a factual news story than a novel. A lot of background filler, as I would call it that doesn’t move the plot. Didn’t think it was a mystery. Also, the partner looking for her happens near the end of the book, and is not the primary plot. There are thought provoking questions with especially what is happening in our country now, but I couldn’t get into the story, plot or even the characters. It was a quick read but left me empty. ( )

The story started out strong, but began to falter midway. BLM, free speech, the second amendment, white supremacy...all play a role in this book and, at times, I found the conversations thought-provoking and essential in trying to understand the systemic racism pervasive in our country. However, some parts felt condescending, as if the author didn't trust the intellect of the reader, while later pages were rushed and filled with too many discussions of court cases for me. The ending didn't feel believable (as evidenced by the author's characters attempting to explain why what happened was plausible), and the final court scene was a place to dump everything that hadn't been said in the book. Moreover, I never got the sense that I fully understood any of the characters or their relationships, particularly between the main character and her boyfriend. ( )

An Intent to Commit by Bernie Lambek

Sarah the daughter of a prominent Attorney, an activist working to make the world a better place. But not everyone is happy with her work. When she gets kidnapped her boyfriend Ricky steps up to try to find her.

The story moves at a fast pace with engaging plot and well developed characters. With current issues, civil, rights and hatred spreading in the Country, An Intent to Commit felt as if this is a true story. I highly recommend to all. ( )