|
Five Star, May 2004, 25.95, 266 pp. ISBN: 159141991 In Beverly Hills, Psychologist Mick Callahan was a media superstar, but let fame get to head as women and booze began to destroy him. He finally reached bottom when he cut off an abused battered woman because he was too busy and as a result of his neglect she died. Taking his guilt with him and trying to start over, Mick returned home to Dry Wells, Nevada where he has a radio talk show in which no one calls until a woman, who refuses to provide her name so he dubs her “Ophelia”, breaks the silence. She insists she loves an abusive con man and fears for her life. Not long afterward the caller is dead. Though he knows he should mind his business after being warned off by Sheriff Bass over a corpse he found, he obsesses over finding out the truth even if it means his return to Los Angeles is delayed. Though the truth is out there if Mick comes to close to it he will be dead too. This is an exciting amateur sleuth tale starring a former hedonist who learned first hand the down side of fame. The story line is crisp once Mick begins his inquiries as Harry Shannon insures the audience comprehends how difficult life is for the hero now that he is no longer on top, but instead scratching just to attain the lowest rung of the food chain. Though his own childhood memories seem out of place (even if he is home) within the investigative tale, fans will appreciate Mick's memorable MEMORIAL DAY. Harriet Klausner | ||
|
Plot & Themes Tone of story - suspenseful (sophisticated fear) How difficult to spot villain? - Very difficult--no foreshadowing/clues Time/era of story: What % of story relates directly to the mystery, not the subplot? - 70% 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 - 40 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 40 % How society works & physical descript. (people, objects, places) - 10 % Crime Thriller Yes Murder Mystery (killer unknown) Yes Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Ethnicity/Race Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 20's-30's Profession/status: Motive of antagonist - power How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters Setting United States Yes The US: - West Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment Amount of dialog - significantly more dialog than descript |
||