Book Review: Ricochet

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

Ricochet     Amazon UK PB Amazon UK HC
Paula Gosling
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural
Series: Jack Stryker & Kate Trevorne
2002, Little Brown & Company, 263 pp

In her latest novel, Gosling brings back the character of Lieutenant Jack Stryker. This time, he is involved in a double murder mystery. Professor Elise Mayhew is shot dead in her home and shortly afterwards, a medical student called Ricky Sanchez is beaten to death in a less than salubrious alley. His death would be chalked up to a mugging gone wrong, were it not for the fact that some days earlier, he had called the police station in some distress. In the meantime, Stryker's partner Kate has also run into some problems at work. Can all these cases be solved?

Although the book is described as 'A Jack Stryker Mystery', the author does not concentrate on Stryker himself. Instead, she provides multiple narrators and plot strands being developed in tandem. This creates a tense atmosphere for the novel, especially as the multiple plots start to link with each other.

It is also clear that Gosling has done her research, as she creates a believable environment for her characters, both in the academic and law enforcement worlds. The denouement is also successful and as a whole, the plot works. It could be said that the eventual reason behind the medical student's murder is somewhat unbelievable, but the skilful writing means that the reader will simply not care. It is a totally enjoyable and quick read, due to its relatively short length.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
http://lukecroll.translatorscafe.com