14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
IN HARM'S WAY is a suspenseful novel that challenges armchair detectives in many ways, August 9, 2010
This review is from: In Harm's Way (Walt Fleming Novel) (Hardcover)
Walt Fleming and Lou Boldt, Ridley Pearson's intrepid heroes, meet to work cases in this newest installment of the Killer series. Lou has starred in Pearson's books for years, and the younger Walt has appeared in three previous police procedurals. This one takes place in Sun Valley, Idaho, rich in natural beauty and populated by the wealthy, famous and, in some cases, infamous.
Lou, the Seattle connection, and Walt get hooked up to solve several murders. A woman was killed in Lou's jurisdiction, and he thinks a Sun Valley resident may be the culprit. Thus he calls upon Walt to help. Lou decides the best way to do this is to travel to Idaho and work beside his younger colleague.
As the book begins, the first sentence is a stunner: "Glancing out the windshield...Fiona [Kenshaw] spotted a log with flailing arms." She jumps into the fast-moving water and rescues the child, thus becoming a local hero. Fiona, a police photographer, begs Walt to keep her picture from being plastered on the front pages of the local newspapers. He doesn't succeed, and Fiona retreats into an emotional shell. She has a blackout and doesn't remember anything during that time. From this opening, the plot moves at breakneck speed with twists and turns that could give a reader whiplash.
Suddenly, in the midst of this tension, the body of a man is found on the side of a road. He turns out to be Martel Gale, a famous ex-NFL star. Walt and Lou realize that he is the link between their two cases. Sports agent Vince Wynn and former football team owner Marty Boatwright shoot right to the top of the suspect list. But without evidence, neither Walt nor Lou can move ahead with their investigations.
Meanwhile, Walt has other problems. He is trying to cope with the break-up of his marriage and take care of his twin girls. As a cop, his time is not always his own, and he feels guilty when he has to leave his daughters with sitters or break promises to them. On top of that, a series of break-ins attributed to wild bears is cluttering his calendar.
As the investigation moves along, one prong points to Fiona. Could she be the murderer? She has a ward that she is trying to help recover from a brutal rape and beating. Kira is making great progress, but she knows her mentor's secret. Can she remain quiet as the churning facts seem to put Fiona at risk?
IN HARM'S WAY is a suspenseful novel that challenges armchair detectives in many ways. Red herrings and real clues are scattered along the trail just begging readers to follow them to the unexpected outcome. This is a perfect beach, airplane, or vacation read.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
I agree with the Publisher's Weekly review..., October 8, 2010
This review is from: In Harm's Way (Walt Fleming Novel) (Hardcover)
This is a frustrating read.
It's difficult to care about any of the characters, particularly the female lead, who is so unlovable and irritating that it's hard to believe the Sheriff cares about her. The most enjoyable (and realistic) character is the dog, Beatrice.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
excellent police procedural, August 7, 2010
This review is from: In Harm's Way (Walt Fleming Novel) (Hardcover)
Fiona Kenshaw rescues a small child from drowning in the river. She asks one thing from the man she is interested in; keep her face out of the local paper, the Mountain Express. Sun Valley Sheriff Wall Fleming is also interested in Fiona, but was burned by his wife who was cheating on him with his deputy. The paper's editor ignores the pleas the sheriff by running the story with her photo. This leads to Fiona to withdraw deep into her shell.
When the corpse of former football player and ex convict Martel Gale is found, Sergeant Lou Boldt of Seattle thinks there is a link between the deceased, his former agent residing in Sun Valley Vince Wynn and a former sport team owner and entrepreneur Marty Boatwright and the dead courtesan Caroline Vetta. Boldt is working the Vetta case and Martel's death enables Boldt to question Wynn and Boatwright. After Lou and Walt interview the men, both conclude one of them is guilty of homicide, but lack proof. Walt seeks evidence, but discovers a tie to Fiona that leads him to wonder if she is involved with the murders.
The latest "Killer" Walt Fleming police procedural (see Killer Summer and Killer View) is an excellent thriller as he works effectively with Ridley Pearson's other top cop Lou Boldt (from the Boldt and Matthews series). Fiona's relationships with Walt (sweet and just beginning), and with her ward Kira (coping with a rape as the youngster knows the truth about the guardian) enhances the entertaining whodunit. There is plenty of action, but it is the interaction between the key cast members that makes this a superb mystery.
Harriet Klausner
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
