Book Review: Every Move She Makes

Reviewed By: Donna M - RAM

Every Move She Makes     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Robin Burcell
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural
Series: Kate Gillespie
Harper Paperbacks; December 1999; $6.50; 388 pages

San Francisco Homicide Inspector Kate Gillespie is just about to leave for a weekend trip with her ex-husband when she gets a call about a dead body in a freezer in a deserted warehouse. The cancellation of her weekend off is the least of Kate's worries. Kate has been receiving death threats in an attempt to stop her from testifying in a drugs case she worked on a year ago, her partner Sam Scolari goes missing, and the vicious serial killer the SoMa Slasher has struck again. Not to mention the fact that Internal Affairs Division is keeping a VERY close eye on her, and it seems they're not the only ones.

This is a tale full of twists and turns and surprises. The numerous plots and subplots make it feel overly complicated at times, but the ends are all neatly and cleverly tied up. I really enjoyed the police procedural elements, the life of a homicide detective, and the fact that Kate has something to prove, as the Department's first female Homicide Inspector. However, this is done without dwelling on the fact, or preaching. Kate doesn't feel sorry for herself, she just gets on with things with humour, confidence and strength of character. I really liked her and was intrigued by her backstory which is interesting, but is mostly hinted at and never allowed to overwhelm the present story. She's a well-rounded, well-drawn character. Things have happened in her past which have shaped the way she is now, and the reader gets a real feel for the person she has become.

Although this is quite a long book, I found it a quick read - I was drawn in by the plot, and also the writing which is conversational and smooth. The narrative flows and is well-paced. The main strength for me was the protagonist and I'm looking forward to accompanying her on more cases.

Donna M - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Donna M - RAM