Book Review: Fruitcake

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Fruitcake     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
R. J. Kaiser
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller   Amateur Sleuth   Legal Setting
Mira, Feb 2000, $5.99, 448 pp.

Attorney Gabriel Rose knows why he lost it when he sees his marital partner Mona in bed with his business partner Peter Cashen. It was not the lovebirds. However, seeing his infant Bella sitting on the floor near the duo playing with Peter’s shoes sends Gabe into a rage. He assaults and injures Peter. Gabe is arrested, plea bargains, and spends a year in Rio Cosumnes Correctional Facility.

Out of prison, Gabe is still licensed to practice law in California, but has few clients. Currently, Gabe fills in for fringe attorney Rudy Herman who is honeymooning in Hawaii. Del Pritchard arrives in the Herman office holding a file filled with papers he claims will prove a fiscal conspiracy of major proportions. Gabe thinks the guy is a FRUITCAKE, but the wealthy man offers a five thousand-dollar retainer.

Knowing he needs the cash, Gabe reluctantly agrees to look into the matter. That night, someone murders Del. Gabe feels he owes his deceased client, but has no idea what to do. As more corpses follow, Gabe is in the center of a potential banking scandal that might leave him dead or as paranoid as Del.

R.J. Kaiser has written several thrillers that have elated fans with their exciting plot and super characters (see PAYBACK and JANE DOE). The author’s latest tale, FRUITCAKE, is a fantastic story that amateur sleuth fans will relish. The story line centers on Gabe’s moral need to do what is right for his client even though he remains at odds with the state bar and the Sacramento police. Deservedly so, J.R. Kaiser is becoming a star that readers will clamor to read.

Harriet Klausner

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