ISBN: 0-7887-0395-1 Order from: Recorded Books
At times intense, and at other times awkwardly paced, this mystery provides plenty of suspense, and a good villain.
Reviewed by David on March 17, 2002
Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural, Art)
Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of A Grave Talent. Kate Martinelli is a young police detective in San Francisco, determined to prove her competence and to advance in the department. Al Hawkin is a much more experienced investigator, who regards Kate with scepticism.
When several children are murdered, the tense team of Hawkin and Matrinelli have to work together to solve the crimes, haunted by visions of dead children and harried by the press.
The suspicion is concentrated on an intentionally rustic village not far from the city, almost inaccessible during torrential rains, and full of undocumented people intent on their privacy.
Full Review: This book introduces Kate Martinelli and her initially reluctant partner Al Hawkin. The writing at times shows a lack of polish seemingly in keeping with the young protagonist. There are several areas of straight exposition, and some of the dialogue is stilted. The plot itself is a bit melodramatic, although works fairly well. One of the most significant characters in particular, Vaun Adams, is initially over-the-top, although the author succeeds in making her an appealing character in the end.
Some of the awkwardness may be due to the narrator, who has a limited range, and avoids character distinctions. Her style, with a clear, steady enunciation of every word reduces emotional impact of the narrative.
The book as a whole is entertaining and at times very involving, but due to its flaws suffers by comparison with the author's stronger mysteries, including With Child in the same series, and so far all of the Russell & Holmes books (The Beekeper's Apprentice and its sequels).
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5.5; World-building: 5; Originality: 5.5;
Copyright date 1993, Recorded Books, 1996, Audio cassette, 10 cassettes
ISBN: 0-7887-0395-1 Order from: Recorded Books