Book Review: Bone Island Mambo

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Bone Island Mambo     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Tom Corcoran
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Alex Rutledge # 3
Dunne, May 2001, $23.95, 288 pp.

Free lance photographer Alex Rutledge takes pictures of a construction site that he will add to his collection of shots over the years reflecting changes to Key West. However, first he is yelled at for taking photos and soon three thugs attack him.

Later that same day, Detective Sergeant Dex Hayes hires Alex to take shots of a murder scene at the same construction site he was at earlier. No time to change film rolls, Alex quickly arrives at the crime scene and takes pictures of the dead project manager Richard Engrom. However, Dex cuts him off early and tells him to give the roll to the official police photographer, who is also at the location. Alex wonders why Dex contaminates the crime scene, flushing any hope of catching a killer down the toilet. Other murders follow and Alex realizes that he is either paranoid or the link to the homicides. Wondering if his turn is next, Alex begins his own inquiries.

Tom Corcoran Key West mysteries (see THE MANGO OPERA and GUMBO LIMBO) are always fun to read as the audience gains a taste of the Conch Republic. The latest Rutledge mystery, BONE ISLAND MAMBO, continues the entertaining nature of the previous novels. Alex remains a wonderful complete character and his girlfriend and friends help the audience understand him better. The who-done-it is an enjoyable well written amateur sleuth tale that enhances the key cast members. Mr. Corcoran is three for three.

Harriet Klausner

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