Book Review: Cold Steel Rain

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Cold Steel Rain     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Kenneth Abel
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Political Intrigue   Thriller
Putnam, Sep 2000, $24.95, 400 pp.

In New Orleans, former assistant district attorney Danny Chaisson works as a political gopher for powerful state legislature Jimmy Boudrieux. His latest assignment is to exchange money for weapons at the Lotus Flower restaurant. After completing the deal, the restaurant owners Claude and Phuong Raymond ask Danny to do them a favor. He agrees, but leaves without taking the letter with him. He returns to Lotus Flower only to find five dead people including the owners. Before quietly leaving into the night, Danny anonymously calls 911.

Someone must take the fall for the headline making homicides that has the ATF investigating. Apparently, a political deal turned deadly. Evidence exists pointing the finger at Danny and the employers of the hired goons decide the lackey is the perfect stooge and set him up to take the rap. Surprisingly, Danny, who always follows orders, refuses to sit back to take the hit, but instead he begins his own inquiries to prove his innocence.

COLD STEEL RAIN is an exciting crime thriller that provides intriguing insight into politics, Louisiana style. The story line is taut and fun as Danny tries to regain his self-esteem even as he struggles to find the guilty party(s). The use of flashbacks to present the cast adds to the overall feel of audience involvement. This technique enhances the pace of the plot. As with the non-stop action tale BAIT, Kenneth Abel shows he is more than able to write a gripping crime drama that will beguile readers with its strong cast and powerful theme.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner