Title: Even Climate Change Can’t Stop Love and Murder Vol. 2 Paying the Price
Author: A.E.S. O’Neill
Publisher: AESON Publications
ISBN: 979-8985122428
Pages: 288
Genre: Crime / Political / Psychological Thriller
Reviewed by: Manik Chaturmutha
A.E.S. O’Neill’s Even a Climate Change Can’t Stop Love and Murder Vol.2 Paying the Price is a sequel to O’Neill’s Even a Pandemic Can’t Kill Love and Murder Vol.1 Break the Bank. The book is a pelleting of the psychological, political, and crime thriller sub- genres. The writing is spiced with observations on catastrophic climate change.
The book picks up the story right where the first book left off – Alby and Ginger escaping. It begins with Alby and Ginger preparing to run, helped by ‘The Handlers.’ They receive new names, vax ID cards, driver’s licenses, and Social Security cards, as well as details about their families, education, the high school they attended (including Ginger’s favorite teacher’s name), jobs, and how they met and got married. Next, Ginger and Alby begin their road trip in a truck. Their destination is Sedona, where they secretly have to start a new life.
Initially skeptical of their relationship, Ginger and Alby understand each other better over the trip as they spend time in close proximity. The journey puts the couple through several trials. First, they survive a tornado. Simultaneously, we see Jagger, who tails Alby, seeking revenge. The tension in the plot unravels when Jagger’s attempt to blow up the couple’s truck fails. After reaching Sedona, Ginger and Alby eventually settle and try adjusting to the new lifestyle while facing their past selves.
Since the book is the second in the series, the plot starts right with the action and builds it further in a well-structured manner. In addition, readers glimpse the inner lives of the central and supporting characters through the narration of the story’s different points of view. Each character is provided with flashbacks which add depth to their significance. Also, Ginger’s personality and her troubled past have been fully developed. Jagger’s childhood trauma and complex relationships with his father are well-written, offering more profound insight into Jagger as a person. The chemistry between Alby and Ginger develops as they gradually learn about each other’s personalities and grow closer. The initial trip serves their relationship as they are forced to let themselves be vulnerable in front of each other.
The book’s setting in the period of the climate crisis gives this exciting tale a new level of suspense. The connection between Alby and Ginger and key storyline twists keeps readers interested in the characters. Whatever the case, the book closes on a suspenseful one-liner cliff-hanger that could reveal more about Alby and Ginger’s complex relationship. I suggest this book to people who like slow-burning thrillers with a touch of romance, contemporary world issues, and American politics.
