ISBN: 0-7887-3055-X Order from: Recorded Books
A fast-moving mystery of average entertainment value, that spends more effort on plot twists than on internal consistency or character building.
Reviewed by David on July 22, 2000
Genre: Mystery
Synopsis: Ryan Duffy is a doctor struggling with his beloved father's death from cancer. In addition to his grief, he has to cope with the unexpected news that his father, an electrician in a small town, has hidden away millions of dollars in shady funds. His search for the source of these funds, and the real past of his father Frank Duffy, brings him face to face with the secrets that some will do anything to protect. The small-town doctor is outclassed when he is faced with unsrupulous lawyers, shady banks, political nominees and professional killers.
Full Review: The book starts with a deft portrayal of a family, recognizably normal with its own share of tensions, secrets and grief at the death of a member, confronted with unprecedented amount of stashed money. From there, the events turn exceedingly more exotic. Every new chapter brings new complications, as nearly everyone is scheming to either hide the secrets, or to harm the grieving and bewildered son.
Unfortunately, the book spends so much effort in complicating the premise, that the plot begins to feel unnaturally strained, and the characters suffer by the need to force it along. Both the inconsistencies of their behavior, and the inconsistencies of the plot detract from the quality of the work. The ending, a climactic scene, seems rushed, and contains an unexpected twist. In the headlong rush, a mild romantic subplot falls completely by the wayside until resumed at the very end.
On the whole, this is a mildly enjoyable suspense novel, acceptable if read without much concentration. A pity that several promising and sympathetic characters, suffer such from having to follow an overly complicated plot.
Overall: 5; Plot: 4; Characters: 4.5; Style: 5; World-building: 5; Originality: 4;
Copyright date 1999, Recorded Books, 1999, Audio Cassette, 8 cassettes
ISBN: 0-7887-3055-X Order from: Recorded Books