Customer Reviews

Beware the Whale's Wake

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I've read this book many times and have developed a real affection for it. As a high school English teacher, I have students read it as a class novel. Since it's a mystery, it's ideal for them to predict and infer, and as most of us do, they love action. The plot is internally consistent, and even though very few guess the killer until Niehaus is ready, it all makes sense in the end. Epstein, the main character, is appealingly human, and we find ourselves wanting him to succeed, both in his daunting challenges as a detective and in his "damaged" lovelife. Niehaus does especially good work in setting up a parallel between Epstein's haunting past and the developing situation in a wave of serial killings. The author turns up the controls on the suspense meter by bringing to bear tension from multiple directions. I appreciate the fact that more than one villain complicates the plot. In fact, once the identity of the serial killer is revealed, the reader can't help but feel genuine sympathy for him/her. Niehaus's experiences in law enforcement no doubt contribute to his characterization of the killer, and reflect his frustrations with the abuses and injustice in our legal and enforcement systems.

Sure, there are a number of cliches, and some of Epstein's exploits seem a bit out of range for "an overweight, burned out wreck." Too, the book's original publishers needed to copyedit a lot better. But those things acknowledged, the book overcomes them all. I look forward to rereading the novel every year. I'm delighted that it's once again in print. I'm starting to run out of copies for my students, and my own is falling apart. I recommend Whale's Wake. It's a fast, easy read and holds you all the way through. The ending leaves just the barest crack available for a possible sequel. I hope Mr. Niehaus someday finds the time and inclination to write it.