Book Review: Dilemma

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Dilemma     Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon Canada HC
Jon Cleary
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural
Series: Scobie Malone # 16
Morrow, May 2000, $23.00, 262 pp.

In 1994, evidence pointed towards Ron Glaze killing his wife Norma. However, Ron vanishes into the night until several years later Inspector Scobie Malone learns that Ron is hiding in the bush town of Collamundra. Scobie travels from Sydney and arrests Ron for killing his wife.

At the same time, Scobie heads an investigation into the kidnap-murder of five year old Lucybelle Vanheusen, a child model. A bit shaken by the little girl’s death, Scobie, also a father, soon learns the Australian child celebrity did not live quite the idyllic life her fame and fortune would lead one to believe.

If that is not enough to keep Scobie busy, he receives a tip that the prosecutor in the Glazer case young hotshot Tim Pierpont may be the real murderer of Norma. As Scobie begins to investigate Tim, he wonders where that will take him, especially since the potential perpetrator is popular and wealthy.

The sixteenth Scobie Malone novel provides the audience with a deep look into modern day Australia on the verge of the Olympics. The multiple story lines blend together due to Scobie remaining a fresh character. However, the three mysteries seem to take a backseat to Mr. Cleary’s nostalgic search for a simpler time in Australia. Still, the mysteries are all well written and the posturing about the path his country has recently traveled brings depth to the tale.

Harriet Klausner

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