Book Review: Chalk Whispers

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Chalk Whispers     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Paul Bishop
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural
Series: Fey Croaker # 4
Scribner, May 2000, $24.00, 384 pp.

The new police chief of the LAPD plans to turn the department into a model for other police forces to emulate. He promotes homicide detective Fey Croaker and her team to a newly formed special cell of the prestigious Robbery-Homicide Division. Other officers are enraged by this preferential treatment and refuse to cooperate with the new team.

Someone tortured and killed a black woman, but the victim was considered a call girl and the case given low priority. Two days later, the deceased is identified as child advocate attorney Blanca Flynn, the daughter of a judge nominated for a seat on the California Supreme Court and the sister to a police commissioner. The trail is cold when Fey and her crew are assigned the case. The victim had a lot of enemies, including her estranged husband and father, both of whom she accused of being pediophiles. As Fey investigates, the case stirs up buried memories from her own past that, if she is not careful, could taint her inquires.

Paul Bishop's police procedurals are some of the best works on the market today as he employs his twenty-three years with the LAPD to turn his exciting story lines into authentic, believable tales. With the recent headlines in LA, the relevancy of CHALK WHISPERS is obvious as the investigation is delayed until the status of the victim is known. The clever mystery is filled with strong characterizations, especially the five lead protagonists (Fey and her team). Readers experience their triumphs and fears as the audience senses what the quintet feels. If justice prevails, this book will gain its due, as it deserves best seller status.

Harriet Klausner

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