Dodie Blackstock's mother was kidnapped when she was eight and later declared dead. Twenty years later, Dodie gets a call from the police saying her mother's body has turned up-and she has only been dead for 48 hours. Dodie's search for what has happened in those 20 years, and why her rich father refused to pay ransom takes her on a journey of self-discovery and turns up some pretty awful family secrets, as well as someone from her mother's past who now is after Dodie. Wonderfully well written and developed characters-I couldn't put it down!
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The review of this Book prepared by Linda Sourpuss
Bantam, Apr 2001, 5.99, 320 pp.
ISBN: 0553582828
In 1976, unknown assailants abduct Susan Blackstock, the third wife of wealthy Wolf and mother of eight-year old Dodie. Wolf refuses to pay the ten million-pound ransom fee. Instead he negotiated with his spouse?s kidnappers over the next few weeks, but never completed the deal. Susan never returned home.
In 1996, the police visit Dodie to inform her that they found the body of her mother. However, Susan Carrington, as she called herself, was murdered two days ago. A stunned Dodie has nowhere to turn to ask questions especially since Wolf died last year. Still seeking closure even before her mother?s corpse was found, a desperate Dodie begins making her own inquiries, and is unaware of the danger she will soon find herself in from a dangerous foe.
DYING VOICES is a tremendous amateur sleuth tale that works on several levels because readers understand the star?s obsession to learn the truth. The story line is fast-paced and filled with twists from start to finish. Dodie is a great character, but hopefully her detective career ends because this case was personal and it is doubtful future tales could match this great novel. Readers will appreciate Laura Baker?s efforts and search for previous books like the well written A LITTLE DEATH.
Harriet Klausner
The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner
