The acclaimed author of haunting crime novels of the Pacific Northwest reaches new heights of suspense. Four times in his 10-year search for the perfect woman, Gordon Murphy has been wrong. Now, he's set his sights on Cassandra Mitchell--despite the fact that she's living happily with Staff Sergeant Karl Alberg of the RCMP. Murphy is educated, attractive, wealthy--and a killer.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Odd narrative angles, several cute coincidences and some tangled police work comprise this latest mystery from the acclaimed Canadian author of, most recently, Prized Possessions. Canadian Mountie Karl Alberg seems oblivious to the weird events occurring in his bailiwick on the British Columbia coast. The decidedly strange Gordon Murphy, in pursuit of Karl's girlfriend, Cassandra, proves willing to redecorate his mansion for a woman whose heart he has not won. Meanwhile, old-timer Reginald Dutton is convinced that the police department owes him rent and that his prized coin collection has been purloined. Reginald is often confused, but crime is rampant, despite the fact that mechanic Ronnie Plankton likes to break and enter more than he likes to steal. Ronnie also likes completely bald newcomer-to-town Naomi Hellyer, who's staying with a crusty woman cab driver whose wreck of a house has locals up in arms. Wright creates narrative tension with these disparate plot pieces and sympathetic eccentrics, but the narrative falters when, in an unconvincing turn of events, one of the cast goes psychotic. Aside from that, though, Karl's latest efforts to maintain tenuous control of his wayward townsfolk is an undeniable pleasure. Mystery Book Club alternate.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Booklist
Wright is an outstanding writer who has been compared favorably with James and Rendell. Her stories are subtly crafted psychological studies that are intriguing, original, and full of depth; her characters--both the villains and the good guys--are fascinating studies in the quirks of human nature; and she manages to keep her readers mesmerized through a combination of masterly storytelling, nail-biting suspense, offbeat crimes, and heartwarming humor. Her latest Karl Alberg mystery features the adroit Canadian policeman in a case that involves a highly skilled burglar with a decidedly peculiar taste in loot, a frightening and bizarre psychopath who's determined to find the "perfect mate," and--perhaps best of all--the assorted idiosyncratic characters and the funny, sad, odd, and moving events that make up daily life in a small town. Alberg is at his usual cool, competent, and sometimes-puzzled-by-the-absurdities-of-life best, and the supporting cast members would all get Oscar nominations if this were a movie. The story, undoubtedly Wright's finest to date, has been chosen as an Alternate Selection of the Mystery Book Club. A must-have that's sure to delight a wide range of mystery fans. Emily Melton
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the most psychologically sophisticated novels I've ever read,
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This review is from: A Touch of Panic (Crime, Penguin) (Paperback)
I am a psychotherapist interested in crime novels. This mystery novel found me holding my breath at the psychological suspense at times The writer creates psychologically complex characters and gradually links them to one another. She also paints a sense of place in nature and in a small village that one can feel with your senses. I had never heard of this author but looked up Agatha award winners and read one of her books, leading to this book. This book was far superior to the award winner she wrote!!!
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book,
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This review is from: Touch of Panic (Hardcover)
The sixth novel in the series does not disappoint! The various plot lines are fantastic and criss cross and intertwine with each other. The many characters and events keep the story moving at a good pace. The action, while not of blockbuster proportion, never stops until the last page. Wright has managed to paint an interesting (and sometimes quirky) picture of small town life.
5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A splendif book,
By Veit Müller (Tübingen Deutschland) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Touch of Panic (Hardcover)
A Touch of Panic is one of the best mysteries I've ever read. L.R. Wright shows her skill to create a tense crime - as well as a tense private world.
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