Book Review: Play Dead

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Play Dead     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Anne Frasier
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Onyx, June 2004, $6.99, 384 pp.

Savannah medical examiner John Casper is performing an autopsy when he suddenly realizes that the body is still alive, the man is still breathing albeit very slowly. When the man eventually dies, it is discovered that he had tetrodotoxin in his bloodstream, a poison that doesn’t cross the blood brain barrier so victims are paralyzed and unable to speak, but totally aware of what is going on around them.

Homicide detectives Elise Sandberg and David Gould head the investigation. As a baby Elise was abandoned on a grave; her father was thought to be a root doctor and a conjurer so she is aware that the public will believe they are dealing with dark magic because superstitions run soul deep in Savannah. David is running from his own demons but unlike Elise he doesn’t believe in the supernatural. More victims are found as body moves out of the grave before dying. The perpetrator poisons David leaving him paralyzed and needing help, but only Elise might save him if she can put all the pieces of the puzzle together in time.

Fans will find themselves reading about a different kind of Savannah one that is more like New Orleans with root doctors, conjurers and practitioners of the supernatural. The two protagonists get off to a rocky start but in time and with patience on Elise’s part, they make a good team. PLAY DEAD is a compelling and memorable police procedural, made even better by the way the characters interact with one another. Anne Frasier will be appreciated by fans who like Kay Hooper, Iris Johansen and Lisa Gardner.

Harriet Klausner

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