“Undercover in Paradise” is the second novel of the “Paradise” series by John Patrick. It’s the continuing story of a world that has been destroyed and those that survived.Hector Ramirez is a new Special Agent in his department. He’s already being assigned to an undercover case. He figures the only reason he’s getting the assignment is because he’s: gay and looks Peruvian. Director Ferguson has got it wrong, he’s Mexican and he’s keeping his actual gender of trans male to himself. To take the year long undercover assignment is dangerous for Hector. His transition is not complete and he has to stay on a strict schedule of testosterone medication and check ups. When the time is right and he’s saved enough money, he will take the next big step.Director Ferguson is being very pushy about a video he has emailed to Hector. Hector eventually watches the video with Ferguson standing over his shoulder. Hector is very taken with Dallin Rigby the subject of said video. Dallin is a young Mormon man and the video is being used for blackmail. It seems monies have been transferred to Walter Lang, abbot, at the monastery from John Rigby, Dallins father. The big issue is the blackmail video was sent to Dallin by the Peruvian Drug Gang located in Bangor, Maine. Plus, tracking of the Peruvian gang looks to drug dealings with the Monastery where Dallin, along with Hector will be staying.After ten months of living in strict, solitary, seclusion at the Paradise Monastery, Dallin and Hector have been selected to journey into town for needed supplies and a mysterious pick-up, which Hector immediately thinks is drugs. Dallin and Hector have had their moment, but Hector is still in undercover mode and knows he’s made a mistake. But it’s hard keeping his secret and his feelings for Dallin under control.As they realize the world has gone through a disaster they meet the residents of Paradise Village. With this new discovery things become more disastrous for Hector. The more that he reveals about himself to Dallin the hopes of even a friendship keep dwindling.John Patrick continues to enlighten readers with the in-depth explanations of gender identities. He brings the readers another well written, amazing story about a variety of human beings that come to Paradise and contribute to building and surviving in a world that is still filled in uncertainties.When I started to read this story, I went into it with a more serious state of mind. I really felt sorry for Hector. He tried to do what was right in a world that had totally changed. He stayed in his agent role, tried to continue his medication, but too many things kept changing for him. Never knowing if he could complete his transitioning had to affect him physically and mentally. The communication between him and Dallin just kept failing for him. I also thought, Dallin just didn’t give Hector a chance to really explain his ideas and feelings on a more serious note. Dallin always seemed to run from Hector whenever he got upset or angry. Hector does have some meaning full moments: what Vet states when he admits to being pansexual and the discussion with Sibyl about sexuality.The lovable pair of Franklin and Patrick from “Franklin In Paradise” lead the ever growing list of residents of Paradise Village. The variety of residents bring all sorts of opinions, emotions, drama and humor to the story: Sara Nakamura, Loris and baby Stanley, Emily, Vet, Lisa, Sibyl, William, Rosa and little Carla. Roscoe and Prissy also have a new family.I highly recommend the “Paradise” series, it’s a must to read “Franklin In Paradise” first. John Patrick has me curious and I’m looking forward to the next book and what new and exciting things that will come to Paradise Shaker Village.
