Book Review: Even Steven

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Even Steven     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
John Gilstrap
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller
Pocket, Sep 2000, $24.95, 368 pp.

They say, “Time heals all wounds”, but whomever they are they never explained that to Bobby and Susan Martin. To escape their grief as much as to celebrate their wedding anniversary, the depressed duo goes camping high in the West Virginia Mountains. However, a man frightening a little boy interrupts their idyllic time. Bobby intercedes until the man pulls out a gun. In the resultant battle, Bobby kills the man, who turns out to be a cop. They flee taking the child with them, as Susan believes this is an act of God. The dead man’s brother swears vengeance for failing to help his sibling.

A Pittsburgh drug dealer has abducted April Simpson’s toddler in an attempt to collect a debt her spouse owes the man. A desperate April is arrested robbing a store trying to gain money for her child’s release. FBI agent Russell Coates struggles to retain his current status. He is able to see the link between the Martins and the Simpsons, but will justice be served if he enforces what he knows?

The story line is faster than the Barry Allen Flash as it moves forward at an incredible clip requiring readers to use seat belts. All the characters, even the anguished Martins, are never fully developed as the action simply overwhelms the cast. For readers who enjoy hyper-speed, EVEN STEVEN is the novel to take you there. For those who relish deeper characterization and a more leisurely plot, John Gilstrap’s latest tale is a pass.

Harriet Klausner

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