Book Review: Savage Art

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Savage Art     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Danielle Girard
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Serial Killer   Adult Content   Government Agency
Onyx, Aug 2000, $6.99, 384 pp.

He feels he is the modern day Leonardo da Vinci except he uses a scalpel to make his creations on a special model, the human body. He uses street people as his personal source of stone. FBI profiler Casey McKinley has a perfect record of solving a case within three months of receipt. She travels to Cleveland to assist local authorities' efforts to bring this monstrous sculptor to justice. However, this time things go wrong and he captures Casey. He breaks the bones in her hands before fleeing to avoid apprehension.

One year after the assault, Casey remains traumatized to the point of near paralysis. She remains in bed and refuses to work on her physical therapy. She sends her husband and daughter away because she needs to stay away from people, even her loved ones. However, Leonardo has not forgotten the one victim whose sculpting remains unfinished. He intends to complete his latest masterpiece using Casey's daughter as his material.

Danielle Girard's first novel, SAVAGE ART, is a thriller that rivals the best of Illes, Pollinger, or Goldberg. The fiendish villain acts similar to Hannibal Lechter, leaving those with a squeamish stomach wanting to skip some of the more graphic sections. The heroine is a fascinating character who will remind the audience of Crais' Demolition Angel due to her vulnerability and inner strength. This serial killer tale is so good fans will want sequels.

Harriet Klausner

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