Book Review: The Deader the Better

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Deader the Better     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
G. M. Ford
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Private Investigator
Series: Leo Waterman # 6
Avon, Feb 2000, $22.00, 384 pp.

When he turns forty-five, Seattle private detective Leo Waterman will inherit a large trust fund. Currently, Leo lives with his long time partner forensic pathologist Rebecca, who loves him. Leo still has a foul taste in his mouth from his last case even though he successfully rescued a sexually abused teenage girl and placed her with her grandmother.

To escape the city, Leo and Rebecca visit her goddaughter Claudia and her family at their newly acquired fishing camp in Steven's Falls. Claudia's husband J.D tells Leo that the locals are out to destroy him because the town wanted the property he purchased. Leo figures J.D. being an outsider is just a tad paranoid by the aloofness of the townsfolk. After returning home, Leo reconsiders his opinion since J.D. is reported dead and Claudia and their children are missing. Leo and Rebecca investigate, but are injured when two vehicles run their car off the road. Leo refuses to kowtow to pressure and continues to place his life in danger from a town without pity, one that prefers to keep hidden at any cost its dirty secrets.

As in most of the novels in this superb series, the Quixote-like Leo's caring for the down trodden motivates him into action that leaves readers with an exciting tale. The smooth flowing mystery is fast-paced as expected from this triumphant series. Talented G.M. Ford is clearly a BMW of a writer.

Harriet Klausner

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