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Holt, Jan 2005, 23.00, 256 pp. ISBN: 0805074384 The third assassination has shaken up the Rio de Janeiro police force because they are the targets of a brazen serial killer who shoots his victims from close range but so far has selected bottom of the barrel officers as targets. The killer twists his pattern when he next murders the two mistresses of the dead cops; he went for three but tossed the wrong woman out the window leaving one mistress alive who perhaps can identify this culprit if she can be found. 12th Precinct Inspector Espinosa heads the investigation that seems to be going nowhere. However, unlike his superiors who insist on he concentrate on the serial killer, Espinosa searches for the vanished mistress Celeste Cardoso not only in the hope she can provide information leading to the capture of the murderer but also to keep her safe. He also finds a witness step forward as the married Serena Rodes insists she saw the killer toss the victim out the window. Though trying to remain faithful to his Irene and stop the low keyed but deadly killing machine, Espinosa is sidetracked on both counts as the two women he vows to protect seem to compete on who can get him in bed first. Espinosa works on the case in his crusty take no prisoners manner while finding the women quite distracting. Harriet Klausner | ||
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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% Murder of certain profession? 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 Is Romance a MAJOR (25%+) part of story? Yes Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Ethnicity/Race Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 40's-50's Profession/status: Motive of antagonist - insanity How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters Setting The Americas (not US): Yes The Americas: - South Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - moderately detailed references to deaths Amount of dialog - significantly more dialog than descript |
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