Book Review: Demolition Angel

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Demolition Angel     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Robert Crais
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Thriller
Doubleday, Jun 2000, $24,95, 384 pp.

She was a bomb squad technician who enjoyed her work. She loved and was loved by her beau David “Sugar” Boudreaux. While working together to disarm a bomb, an earthquake struck setting off the mechanism. Sugar died and Carol Starkey was severely injured and badly disfigured. Three years have passed since that fatal accident. Starkey left the bomb squad to work for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Criminal Conspiracy Section as a detective. She smokes and drinks way too much, even imbibing while on the job.

Her latest case involves a bomb squad technician who was killed while trying to disable an explosive device. Although the case brings its own trauma to Carol, she is determined to catch the perpetrator who killed one of LAPD’s own. ATF Special Agent Jack Pell also wants the culprit stopped because he recognizes the MO and pushes his way into the investigation over Carol’s objection. Still they work together to try and capture a bomber. Their hunt leads to a deadly cat and mouse game between the perp and Carol.

Robert Crais, author of the best-selling Elvis Cole/Joe Pike crime series, has written a stand-alone novel that is filled with force, surprises, and shockers. The audience will empathize with the lead protagonist, who remains likable even as she suffers from mental and physical scars. Carol is a fighter surmounting one obstacle after another. DEMOLITION ANGEL is a notable work that deserves fan attention to encourage Mr. Crais to write more Starkey stories.

Harriet Klausner

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