Book Reviews: Negative Image by Vicki Delany, Though Not Dead by Dana Stabenow, and Bloodline by Mark Billingham
Negative Image
Vicki Delany
Poisoned Pen Press, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59508-790-4
Trade Paperback
Also available in hardcover
With each entry in the Constable Molly Smith-Trafalgar City Police Sergeant John Winters series, the plots become more sophisticated, the character development deeper, and the relationships more complicated. In this, the fourth novel in the mystery series, all these elements are present to a high degree.
To begin with, a has-been photographer, for whom Eliza Winters, John’s wife, once modeled and to whom she was engaged to be married, visits Trafalgar, BC, inviting her to his hotel room.  She had visited him shortly before he was shot in the head, making her a prime suspect (and raising questions about their marriage in John’s mind). Molly, a third class constable, gets to assist on a puzzling number of break-ins in the town while facing her own personal problems, including whether or not to apply for a job in Toronto or consider a deeper relationship with her Mountie boyfriend, as well as the death of her father.
The conflicts have to be faced, exacerbated by obstacles such as sexist attitudes on the police force, rivalry between the national and local detectives, including Winters, among others. Â Well-written and smoothly told, the book was a joy to read, and is recommended.
Reviewed by Ted Feit, February 2011.
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Though Not Dead
Dana Stabenow
Minotaur Books, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-312-55911-3
Hardcover
Nearly a century’s worth of Alaskan history serves as the backdrop for this latest Kate Shugak novel, as witnessed by the long life of “Old Sam,” her uncle.  When he dies at the age of nearly 90, he leaves Kate as his only legatee, with instructions for gifts to a few, and a letter telling her to “find my father,” setting her on a dangerous wild goose chase seeking a long lost native icon, a map which might disclose some information pertaining to the mystery of its disappearance and whereabouts, among other objectives.
It seems Sam’s father was a ne’er-do-well who stole the icon along with a lot of other items during the flu epidemic following World War I, when few were physically able to defend themselves or their possessions, and sold them to an antique dealer in Seattle.  Sam attempted to find the icon to return it to his tribe (his mother was the daughter of a tribal chief).
The novel follows Kate’s attempts to unravel the various “clues” Old Sam leaves for her, facing dangerous competition from others seeking the valuables he left behind.  It is an exciting journey, and the novel is well worth reading, and is recommended.
Reviewed by Ted Feit, May 2011.
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Bloodline
Mark Billingham
Mulholland Books, July 2011
ISBN: 978-006143274-3
Hardcover
Tom Thorne is a troubled protagonist. More so than customary in this novel, the latest in the Thorne series, an unusual story about a serial killer, as well as in his personal life. It begins with Tom and his partner learning that the latter’s pregnancy is not viable and that she needs a D&C. Tom does not quite how to react to or address the situation.
However, a grisly murder soon comes to light, diverting him to another tough case. The victim is found with a piece of an x-ray in her hand, as well as some letters which eventually provide a clue. It quickly is learned that her mother was murdered 15 years before by an infamous serial killer who had murdered six others.
More bodies are found with pieces of x-rays in their fists, and it becomes apparent that the killer is targeting children of the original victims. Now the problem becomes not only catching the present-day murderer, but protecting the remaining potential victims. This novel encompasses what is perhaps Thorne’s most complicated case.
The author’s ability to provide graphic detail in simple but pungent prose is clear and compelling. The writing is smooth and the plot superb; the characterizations are poignant, and the insights into Thorne’s personality incisive. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Ted Feit, July 2011.
August 31, 2011
Tags: Alaska, Aleut, British Columbia Canada, London, Mounties, Mulholland Books, mystery, Poisoned Pen Press, police procedural, private detective, serial killer Posted in: Full Reviews
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