The Right Side of Wrong

A Butnari And Hill Crime Thriller

Fiction - Thriller - General
369 Pages
Reviewed on 04/21/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite

Set between Cincinnati and the islands of the Bahamas, E. A. Coe has produced a feast of exotic scenery mixed with an intriguing murder and espionage mystery. Teddy Jay was once on the wrong side of wrong, crossing over in his distant past and settling down with a new identity, family, and a thriving banana plantation. But even on the right side of wrong, the entrepreneur draws trouble like a magnet, all in the name of doing good. The Right Side of Wrong is fast-paced and gripped me from the first moment, beginning with the mysterious death of a crew of sailors.

The narration switches between the main characters, each bringing their view to the story. I adored how E. A. Coe portrays Teddy as a reformed criminal. This dovetails his restoration with the theme of redemption, which includes another bad guy, Mas, who finds peace with a simpler life. The plot also cleverly juxtaposes damnation as a secondary theme as the characters switch sides from right to wrong and vice versa. Corporate greed causes good people to cross the line, while those who have made wrong choices eagerly grasp redemption. I appreciated the depiction of strong, successful female characters, many of them leaders. I loved so much about this story, especially the unity within the Tiburon community, which had the least but shared equally among themselves. My favorite quote is by Sam Jenkins: “The bonds among labor groups extend beyond their professional functions as well. They protect each other.” This is a fantastic mystery, action-packed and thrilling, brimming over with exciting plot twists and inevitably leading to justice.

Essien Asian

Teddy Jay's numerous criminal acts in the past forced him to leave his familiar surroundings and relocate to the Bahamas. His plan to lie low is working until the day his cargo ship, The Butterfly, limps into Baltimore port, loaded with cargo but not a single living soul on board. When Teddy discovers this atrocious incident is no accident, he reaches out to his old allies in the American government. It appears he has made new enemies who want to get their hands on his latest treasure, something so valuable that it will change conventional medicine. Agents Marina Butnari and Doug Hill must quietly solve this murder mystery without ruffling feathers. Their assignment becomes problematic when they discover how deep the bad blood runs among all the parties involved in E.A. Coe's The Right Side of Wrong.

In The Right Side of Wrong, E.A. Coe skillfully develops Teddy's enigmatic past and connects it to his present actions, emphasizing remarkable character development. Hill's conversation with Butnari about his troubling memories from their visit to the Baltimore FBI office alludes to earlier works in the Butnari and Hill Crime Thriller series, suggesting continuity in an installment that readers can enjoy as a standalone. Coe balances the battles with tense confrontations over shark-infested waters. The narrative features a well-developed romantic subplot that will captivate fans of the genre, along with an equally educational section on banana cultivation, showcasing an impressive level of research. Coe expertly blends these components, drawing readers into a compelling adventure they won't want to put down.

Kimberlee J Benart

The Right Side of Wrong by E. A. Coe is an engaging foray into the world of vicious corporate espionage and murder. When the crew of a “banana boat” is found dead in the Port of Baltimore, the ship’s owner, a “deep cover” resource for the FBI, calls for help. Special agents Marina Butnari and Doug Hill are tasked with solving the crime and bringing the murderers to justice. The plot thickens when an intruder attempts to enter the ship owner’s banana plantation, and it takes a few more twists and turns as greed in the pharmaceutical industry enters the equation. Can Butnari and Hill unravel the mystery? A “sneak peek” at another E. A. Coe thriller is included.

In The Right Side of Wrong, E. A. Coe weaves an exciting story that blends a well-paced plot with developed characters set in the sparkling, if shark-infested, waters of the Bahamas. Marina and Doug make a great team as FBI agents, and it’s easy to cheer for their success. Will the criminals slip through their fingers and escape or kill each other off before justice can be done? But the story's heart lies in the enigma of the banana plantation and ship owner known as Teddy Jay. He inspires loyalty in those who work for him, but does anyone really know him? E. A. Coe has done an excellent job of creating a crime thriller that you won’t want to put down for a moment.

Alma Boucher

In E. A. Coe's The Right Side of Wrong, the Baltimore Police Department discovered the murder of five crew members aboard a cargo ship named the Butterfly. However, the assailants did not find what they were seeking on the ship. Teddy Jay encountered an intruder breaking through the fence of his banana plantation, leading him to suspect that this intrusion was linked to the events involving the Butterfly that occurred a month earlier. The intruder was detained for the night in the hope that Teddy could persuade him to share crucial information about the situation. Teddy made a call to a senior FBI official, prompting the deployment of FBI Special Agents Marina Butnari and Doug Hill to assist him. Given Teddy’s background, Marina and Doug must exercise caution in how they support him and pursue justice for the murdered crew of the Butterfly.

The Right Side of Wrong by E. A. Coe captivated me with its elements of mystery, murder, and danger. From the very beginning, I was completely engrossed and found myself racing through the pages. With numerous twists and turns, I was constantly surprised by what would unfold next. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, making it difficult to put the book down. The writing style was captivating and immersed me in this treacherous realm. The characters were well-crafted, feeling genuine and relatable, allowing me to connect with them deeply. The book was masterfully written and contained all the essential elements for a thriller. Reading this book was thoroughly enjoyable, far surpassing my expectations. I particularly appreciated the conclusion, which was fitting given all that had transpired.


Carol Thompson

The Right Side of Wrong by E. A. Coe embarks on a journey into the shadowy world of law enforcement, crime, and bananas, blending thrilling mystery elements with the intricate workings of the FBI. This novel marks a significant addition to the Butnari and Hill FBI thriller series, showcasing Coe’s mastery of suspense and action storytelling. The story begins with a gripping opening where a seemingly routine investigation quickly spirals into a complex web of deceit and danger. The narrative is skillfully crafted, featuring surprising and believable twists supported by strong character development, such as the mysterious Teddy Jay. Coe excels at creating flawed, multi-dimensional characters, a refreshing change from the flawless figures that populate many books.

E. A. Coe’s writing style is clear and engaging, maintaining a pace that keeps the tension high without sacrificing detail. The sharp dialogue helps develop the characters, revealing their personalities and relationships naturally and insightfully. Special Agents Marina Butnari and Doug Hill are authentic characters, and Coe portrays the FBI with realism. The attention to detail in the procedural aspects of the FBI’s work lends an authenticity that fans of crime thrillers will appreciate. The Right Side of Wrong expertly balances action with introspection, leading to a satisfying conclusion that resolves the immediate mysteries while hinting at future challenges. This novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys crime thrillers with a strong emotional core and engaging narratives. It’s a short, immersive read, so I won’t say too much, but the story offers a potent mix of suspense, action, and character-driven storytelling. It is a gripping addition to the Butnari and Hill series that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment. As a bonus, Coe offers readers a sneak peek into upcoming books.