by
Jane Haddam
ISBN: 0-312-20909-6 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com
A solid but slightly mechanical mystery, overshadowed by satisfying personal development of the protagonists.
Reviewed by David on November 15, 2000
Genre: Mystery (Amateur Sleuth)
Synopsis: Gregor Demarkian, a retired FBI investigator, is called in by his close friend, Bennis Hannaford, when she finds stumbles upon the corpse of an acquitance. The small-town police is happy to have the assistance of a well-known expert on murders, but while Gregor struggles with the professional challenges of finding a ruthless and intelligent murderer far from the familiar urban sprawl, the problems of his neighbors and friends occupy his emotions.
Full Review: This is another novel in the series about Gregor, his wealthy, talented and beautiful, if a bit scatter-brained, friend Bennis, and a cast of friends from the Armenian neighborhood in Philadelphia.
In the previous installment, I was frustrated by the stagnating nature of Gregor and Bennis's relationship. I am happy to say that not only is there progress, but the main characters are once more becoming vital, and engage strong emotions.
The mystery investigation itself is a bit mechanical, and the careful description of several plausible suspects and their motives, while adding color to the rural, snobbish and occasionally cruel Connecticut society, has the marks of authorial diversions. Therefore, while some of the characters are interesting and sympathetic, most suspects and victims feel like background for the lives of Gregor, Bennis, and their friends in Philadelphia. While detracting from the mystery, the personal plot is satisfying, and comes to a tense and plausible resolution. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Note: True Believers, the next Demarkian mystery, will be coming out in March, 2001.
Overall: 6.5; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 5; Originality: 5;
Copyright date 2000, St. Martin's Press (St. Martin's Minotaur), February 2000, Cloth, 276 pages
ISBN: 0-312-20909-6 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com