Book Review: A Well-Known Secret

Reviewed By: Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM

A Well-Known Secret     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Jim Fusilli
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Private Investigator
Series: Terry Orr # 2
November 2002 G.P. Putnam’ Sons $23.95/288 pages

Jim Fusilli’s follow up to last years wonderful Closing Time is A Well Known Secret. I really enjoyed Closing Time, as much for the feel of New York as for the story. I also think that the relationship between the protagonist; Terry Orr, and his daughter Bella, is exceptionally written. On top of that, the story was great.

And these things that I loved about the first book are back in the second book. Bella is growing up and we get to see Terry deal with the changes. Fusilli also talks about what happened on Sept 11th, making it part of the story in a realistic way. Which is great because in this series New York City is as much as a character as anyone in it. The story this time involves a friend of the Orr’s house keeper. She has a daughter just out of prison, and naturally thinks her daughter was set up. Terry is asked to find her and he does so quickly. And she’s dead. This leads to his digging into the past and some problems with one of the Mango brothers, Tommy the cop.

This book reminded me of really good music. The relationship between Terry and Bella is like the bass line running through out, the investigation a drum beat, and the other plot lines guitar and vocals. And it's a song I could play over and over..…

Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM