Onyx, June 2002, 6.99, 400 pp. ISBN 045989783 Homicide Task Force Commander Lieutenant Mike Sanchez and detective sergeant April Woo are partners both in their professional and personal lives much to the dismay of their respective mothers who want them partnered to someone from their own race. Although April loves Mike, she has turned down his proposal of marriage numerous times, fearing the wrath of her mother Skinny Dragon. Frustrated by her refusals, Mike remains optimistic, as he is not one to give up. The latest case they are working on allows Mike to use some interesting methods to get his lover to accept the idea of marriage to him. April and Mike are determined to bring in the killer of orthodox Jew Tova Schoenfeld, who was shot moments before she was to take her wedding vows. At first, the brass thinks it is a hate crime but when a second bride is shot while entering St. Patrick's Cathedral, April and Mike realize they have a maniac on their hands that must be stopped. The events of September 11th are reflected in the thoughts of the heroine, making THE SILENT BRIDE an even more enthralling and poignant police procedural. Leslie Glass humanizes her protagonists so that readers understand what the heroes feel because though the narrative readers are given insight into hearts and minds of Mike and April. The who-done-it is an intricate puzzle with tantalizing clues sprinkled throughout the story line. This author's novels should be included on every crime thriller fans must read list. Harriet Klausner | ||
Plot & Themes Tone of story - suspenseful (sophisticated fear) How difficult to spot villain? - Difficult, but some clues given Time/era of story: What % of story relates directly to the mystery, not the subplot? - 60% Kind of investigator Kid or adult book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Any non-mystery subplot? descript. of violence and chases - 10 % Planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 60 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 20 % How society works & physical descript. (people, objects, places) - 10 % Crime Thriller Yes Murder Mystery (killer unknown) Yes Main Character Gender - Female Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Ethnicity/Race Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 20's-30's Profession/status: Motive of antagonist - insanity How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor Intelligence - Average intelligence Setting United States Yes The US: - Northeast Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |