In this 2nd book in the 'Kathryn Dance' series, the kinesics expert investigates a case stemming from bullying on social media. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Online bullying can have unfortunate consequences, up to and including murder. When a high school boy named Travis Bingham is blamed for the death of two girls in a highway accident on California's Monterey Peninsula, the bullying blogosphere goes stratospheric.....and bad things result.
It all starts with a post from righteous crusader James Chilton, on his blog 'The Chilton Report.' Chilton merely questions the quality of road maintenance on the Peninsula - not even mentioning Travis - and the resulting comments soon turn to the boy. Before long Travis is being called every kind of foul name and being accused of all manner of disgusting behavior.
This leads to the attempted murder of a high school girl named Tammy Foster, who posted nasty comments about Travis. The incident was foreshadowed by a cross being placed along the highway, decorated with rose petals and bearing the date of the crime.
The case falls to Agent Kathryn Dance of the California Bureau of Investigation. Kathryn is the foremost kinesics (body language) expert in the state, and can tell when people are lying. This is useful when Kathryn and her partner, Deputy Michael O'Neill, interview suspects, witnesses, or other persons of interest.
Kathryn speaks to Travis Bingham about the attack on Tammy, but the agent lacks direct evidence and doesn't arrest the boy. Travis then disappears and another blog bully is attacked.....followed by the murder of several people. By now, anyone who posts anything on The Chilton Report is a murder target, and each crime is heralded by a wooden cross and rose petals.
Kathryn is frustrated by the terrible crimes, by Travis's elusiveness, and by the fact that Chilton won't cooperate by shutting down his blog. The agent has other serious concerns as well. Her mother Edie, a nurse, has been arrested for euthanizing a badly burned patient. The prosecutor - a zealot who sees this as an opportunity to make a name for himself - has accused Edie of first degree murder and may even go for the death penalty.
While Kathryn works on the roadside crosses case, Deputy O'Neill is called away for another investigation. So Kathryn is assisted by a college professor who's knowledgeable about computers.....
...... and a talented young cop with good instincts.
On the downside, Kathryn is frustrated by a self-serving, publicity-seeking boss.....
.....and an ombudsman from the governor's office who's ethically challenged.
The book's main plot is augmented by side issues such as the environmental impact of desalination plants; political corruption; family interactions; multiplayer online role-playing games; and more.
I enjoyed the book, and liked Kathryn's analyses of body movements that signal deception. (This is very reminiscent of the old television series 'Lie to Me', starring Tim Roth.) I do have a
quibble with the book however. Deaver likes to end chapters with a cliff hanger that leads to a surprise. After this happens once or twice it becomes predictable and is no longer a twist.
Deaver has a deft hand with mystery/thrillers and I'd recommend the book to fans of the genre.
Rating: 3.5 stars
In the first book in this series, 'The Cleaner', a serial killer dubbed The Christchurch Carver is terrorizing Christchurch, New Zealand. The murderer, named Joe Middleton, is able to hide in plain sight - in a police station no less - by pretending to be a mentally challenged janitor.
As this sequel opens, Joe is in jail awaiting trial. He still pretends to be slow-witted, and claims to have no memory of killing anyone. In fact Joe, who's aggrieved about being locked up, thinks of himself as Joe Victim and seems to believe a jury will set him free - and that the general public will approve. (Talk about being delusional!!)
Joe's trial is scheduled to start next week and he gets several visitors in the days leading up to it. In addition to his attorney and a court-appointed psychiatrist, Joe is visited by a shrink named Alice, who was hired by the defense. Alice's assignment is to assess Joe's mental health, for a possible insanity plea.
During the shrink's visits Joe reluctantly reveals shocking details about his childhood. He also demonstrates his inner pervert by having sick thoughts about doing things to Alice, but - luckily for her - he's securely handcuffed to the table.
Another visitor to the jail is Carl Schroder, the detective who arrested Joe. Schroder has been dismissed from the police force for a bad shooting, and is working as a consultant for reality television shows. One reality star is a fake psychic who plans to 'find' a dead cop named Robert Calhoun - who was buried by Joe. To facilitate this 'clairvoyance', Schroder is tasked with bribing Joe to reveal the location of the grave.
Joe, who's likely to be imprisoned for life - or executed - would appear to have no reason to cooperate. However Joe agrees to take the cops to the burial site because he thinks his murderous girlfriend Melissa, who's on the run from the police, will stage a rescue.
The police are reluctant to assist in a subterfuge that benefits a phony psychic, but Schroder convinces them to do it....so they can bring home one of their own.
In the meantime, as Joe waits in jail, he's tormented by guards and attacked by a fellow prisoner.....all of which is described in graphic detail.
As all this is happening, Joe's girlfriend Melissa - a psychopath in her own right - is making plans to shoot Joe on the first day of his trial. Melissa needs assistance for this, and is scurrying around Christchurch trying to line up an accomplice. This leads to more violence and death.
The plot is quite complex, and things are not always what they seem.
The novel has some comic relief in scenes featuring Joe's mum, who seems to live on a different plane than other humans. Mum is planning to marry her fiancé on the first day of Joe's trial, and - in phone calls with her son - keeps urging him to attend the wedding. (Just ask the warden if you can go! LOL) Mum's eccentricities cause Joe some trouble. but it's hard to feel sorry for him.
Joe Victim has enough background information to be read as a standalone, but - for maximum enjoyment - it's best to read The Cleaner first.
Paul Cleave writes excellent psychological thrillers and I enjoyed the book. Highly recommended to fans of the genre.
In this 2nd book in the 'Andy Carpenter' series, the criminal defense lawyer has his girlfriend as a client. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Ever since defense attorney Andy Carpenter inherited 22 million dollars from his father, he's been very picky about the cases he takes.
So when Geoffrey Stynes waltzes into Carpenter's Paterson, New Jersey office and says he's about to be arrested for killing a cop named Alex Dorsey, Carpenter refuses to represent him.....even though Andy knows Dorsey was a corrupt officer.
Carpenter's girlfriend Laurie Collins, a former cop, worked under Dorsey and knew he was bent. When she reported the slimeball to police higher-ups, however, Dorsey was barely rebuked and Laurie was pushed out of the police force. She now works as Andy's private investigator.
In the end case, Stynes isn't charged with Dorsey's death. Instead, a drug dealer named Oscar Garcia is arrested for the murder, and Andy - knowing Garcia is innocent - feels obliged to defend him.
Garcia has an alibi, though, and the authorities proceed to arrest Andy's gal Laurie for Dorsey's murder.....and they have a LOT of evidence.
Andy becomes Laurie's attorney, and - when he starts looking into the case - discovers that the rigmarole with Stynes and Garcia was someone's elaborate scheme to frame his sweetheart. Andy and his colleagues go into high gear to prepare Laurie's case. Even Edna - Andy's work-averse secretary - toils day and night to help clear Laurie's name....much to Andy's amazement. 😊
Laurie gets a speedy trial, and the courtroom scenes are very entertaining, with Andy constantly wisecracking and outwitting the prosecution. It's like a comedy version of Law and Order.
Andy also takes time to hang out with his golden retriever Tara, an endearing pooch who loves walks, treats, and attention.
Thus Andy is thrilled when another one of his clients, Willie Miller - who's about to get a settlement for wrongful imprisonment - adopts a rescue dog. In the end, Willie's affection for canines leads to good news for the dog population of Paterson, New Jersey.
Of course Laurie's situation is eventually resolved, and some surprises crop up along the way.
I enjoyed this entertaining light mystery and recommend it to fans of the genre.
In this 9th book in the 'Agatha Raisin' mystery series, the amateur sleuth investigates murder in a residential hotel for retirees. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
After a vengeful hairdresser washes Agatha Raisin's hair with depilatory rather than shampoo, the partially bald amateur detective - embarrassed to be seen in her Carsely village - goes to Wyckhadden for a vacation.
Agatha checks into the Garden Hotel, whose only residents are a coterie of elderly retirees who like to gossip and play Scrabble.
Agitating about her unsightly head, Agatha is advised to consult Francie Juddle - a Wyckhadden psychic ('witch') who also sells revitalizing potions. Agatha visits Francie and purchases hair restorer and - just for kicks - a small bottle of love potion.
For fun, Agatha arranges for Francie to conduct a séance for the elderly residents of the Garden Hotel. The session doesn't go well and Francie is soon found battered to death in her cottage. Before you can say abracadabra Francie's daughter Janine takes over the 'clairvoyance' business.
Before long, Janine is found dead as well. The police investigation is led by Inspector Jimmy Jessop, a nice-looking widower. Agatha offers to help with the inquiries, but Jimmy puts her off.
Nevertheless, Jimmy finds Agatha attractive and asks her out.
After a short time Agatha and Jimmy become a couple, but anyone familiar with the sleuth knows her romance probably won't go smoothly - especially because Agatha is still in love with her neighbor, James Lacey.
Meanwhile, Agatha obsesses over the murders and becomes convinced one of the retirees at the hotel is the killer. Unfortunately Agatha can't get anyone to talk about the crimes, so there's very little 'detective work' in the story. For the most part Agatha either spends time with Jimmy or socializes with the hotel residents: going to dances and plays; having drinks in the hotel or pub; playing Scrabble; helping the ladies get makeovers; etc. Mostly, this is a 'life in the village' story - where residents socialize; form relationships; get jealous; have arguments; and so forth.
At the story's climax Agatha gets an epiphany that helps her solve the murders, but the solution is more 'deus ex machina' than brilliant detective work.
When I pick up an Agatha Raisin book I know what to expect: Agatha obsesses over her appearance; has embarrassing dalliances with men; gets a visit from her friend Charles - a notorious sponger who always forgets his wallet; moons about James; talks with her friend Mrs. Bloxby (the vicar's wife); etc. In that vein, the book doesn't disappoint. It's a pleasant diversion, and Agatha Raisin fans would probably enjoy it.
Rating: 3 stars
Manhattanites Simon Greene - a financial advisor, and his wife Ingrid - a pediatrician have three children and an upscale lifestyle.
But the drug scourge touches people of all socioeconomic levels, and their daughter Paige was a college freshman when she ran away, took to the streets, and became a full blown drug addict.
Simon and Ingrid are desperate to get Paige into rehab, but the girl is elusive and hard to find. Then Simon gets a tip about Paige busking in Central Park and - when he goes over - finds his precious daughter - skinny, dirty, and disheveled - performing for spare coins.
Simon tries to grab Paige but gets into a scuffle with her druggie boyfriend Aaron. The crowd - who thinks Simon is trying to abduct the girl - descend on the financial advisor and the two addicts get away. The video of the incident, which blows up on the internet, makes Simon look like a vicious bully.
When junkie Aaron is murdered in a Bronx drug den, Homicide Detective Isaac Fagbenle shows up on Simon's doorstep asking questions. Fagbenle - who's hot on the trail of Aaron's killer - considers Simon and Paige prime suspects. Simon, determined to save his daughter from a homicide arrest and her druggie lifestyle, sets out to find Paige once again. Despite Simon's protestations, his wife Ingrid tags along.
Simon and Ingrid go to the Bronx, find Paige and Aaron's bare bones apartment, and meet the addicts' landlord Cornelius - who's sympathetic but doesn't know where Paige is.
The distraught parents then confront the drug dealers nearby and things take a bleak turn.
As Simon continues to search for Paige, he joins forces with Elena Ramirez, - a former FBI agent who's now a Chicago private detective.
Ramirez is searching for a missing young man named Henry Thorpe.....who seems to have had some connection with dead Aaron.
Meanwhile, a young couple called Ash and Dee Dee - who met years ago in a foster home - are driving around the country murdering men on a 'kill list.'
To say much more would give away spoilers, but - as would be expected - all the above threads eventually come together.
Additional characters in the book include Simon and Ingrid's adolescent daughter Anya and college age son Sam; Simon's business partner Yvonne - who happens to be his sister-in-law; Simon's client Michelle - a lonely old woman who looks forward to Simon's monthly visits; Simon's lawyer Hester Crimstein - a fierce, capable defense attorney (who also shows up in Coben's 'Myron Bolitar' series 😊); several gangbangers; and more.
I'm a Harlen Coben fan, but this book was disappointing. Some aspects of the plot are so overblown they're cartoonish. Moreover, intelligent characters walk into traps that would have been sussed out by a sixth grader. This last plot device doesn't belong in a book by an accomplished, experienced writer.
That said, the novel was fast-moving and kept my interest, and I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy mysteries, especially Harlen Coben fans.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Harlen Coben), and the publisher (Grand Central Publishing).
Rating: 3 stars
In this 3rd book in the 'DS Aector McAvoy' series, the detective investigates what looks like revenge killings while his wife interferes with a gangbanger - causing trouble for herself. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Several recent gruesome murders in Hull are linked to serial rapist Sebastien Hoyer-Wood, who has been grievously disabled and institutionalized for many years.
Detective Aector McAvoy, a large, capable, well-respected detective, takes the case.
During his investigation McAvoy interviews a series of witnesses and uncovers what may have been scandalous medical and legal malpractice as well as an incident long ago when several people - not knowing who he was - helped save the rapist's life. It seems all this has somehow driven someone to murder.
Meanwhile, McAvoy's colleague Helen Tremberg - who is helping investigate drug gangs in Hull - inadvertently gets involved with a gang member, jeopardizing the drug investigation.
And McAvoy's wife Roisin foils drug gang member Adam Downey when he attempts to retrieve his hidden cocaine from her friend's business, which seriously pisses off Downey and sets him on Roisin's trail.
The serial murderer and drug gang story lines are skillfully written and mesh together well; both are compelling and the revelation of the murderer is a believable twist. The author, David Mark, also does an excellent job with character development, and all the people - detectives, doctors, nurses, gang members, and so on - are well-drawn and believable.
Mark also masterfully describes the almost unbearable hot, muggy weather during the police investigations; the reader can almost feel the fog and heat coming off the page.
My one quibble with the story is McAvoy's almost cloying adoration of his wife Roisin. I'm all in favor of affection between spouses but McAvoy's "obsession" with his wife made me uncomfortable.
All in all this is an excellent mystery book, very highly recommended.
Rating: 4 stars
