I thoroughly enjoyed A.L. Wahdel’s debut novel, Too Dark for the Light. The character development of the protagonist, Detective Sergeant Water Kascade, or “Cade” as he’s known to his colleagues was strong.
Cade is placed in the uncomfortable position of being tasked by Solicitor General Emma Tawazuki to uncover corruption within the Toronto Police Services. Having always suspected there were corrupt officers, although reluctant at first, since he is near retirement, Cade eventually welcomes the challenge.
Given unprecedented surveillance technology, Cade has access to information that bypasses the normal channels of obtaining information. Although meant for use to uncover police corruption, he jeopardizes his main mission when he learns of a human trafficking ring. He cannot overlook this information and interferes with an investigation in order to save the lives of innocent women.
One of my favourite passages is when Tawazuki discusses with Cade the experiences her father had during the Second World War:
“When the government detained Japanese people, the RCMP took my father away and placed him in an abandoned factory with hundreds of other people. He eventually reunited with my mother, but his distrust for any government institution haunted him for years until his passing. He would always tell me and my brother that he forgave those who locked him up and understood their misguided fears. But, in the same breath, he warned us that society falls apart when their guardians become venal, even at the orders of their superiors.”
This passage is an important reminder of the danger of following orders blindly and overlooking the moral consequences of one’s actions.
It also reinforces that Cade can be counted on to do the right thing.
This is the first book in what promises to be a terrific police procedural series and I look forward to reading the next Water Kascade book.