Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Carnage
Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Andrew Billings
Class/Genre: Mystery Adult Content
Jove, Sep 1999, $6.50, 368 pp.
In 1997 Seattle, members of the League Opposed to Cruelty to Animals (LOCA) plan a raid on a nearby research facility. The local chapter provides three members (Lauren Bowman, Rod Welton, and Megan Reiner) while two internationally renowned activists (Ian Prather and Vera Kemmis) head the assault team. However, something goes wrong and a grandfather- security guard tries to stop the destruction. Ian kills him. Everyone escapes except Megan, who seemingly vanished.
A stunned Lauren turns even more distraught when she receives a video of an individual raping and murdering Megan. Lauren turns to her father Royal Bowman for help. He tells her tale to former cop and current employee Matt Burgis. After talking with Lauren, Matt fails to persuade her into turning herself in to the police. However, he makes some inquiries and realizes someone has wired her home. Soon someone begins to murder other individuals close to Lauren. Apparently, a maniac, who knows about Lauren's Portland past, has obsessed on the animal activist, leaving no one safe if they come into contact with her.
CARNAGE is a strange tale of obsession, insanity, and the "blues" that fans of psychological thrillers will enjoy. The audience understands the characters' hierarchy of needs even when they seem self-destructive and twisted. The story line never slows down as the masks people wear adds to the overall suspense. After reading this taut novel, sub-genre fans will give top billing to Andrew Billings.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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