Book Review: Mind Scrambler

Reviewed By: Pat Reid - RAM

Mind Scrambler     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Chris Grabenstein
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural
Series: John Ceepak and Danny Boyle # 5
Minotaur Books, 2009, 342 Pages

Atlantic City is the setting for the latest Danny Boyle and John Ceepak novel and the book is indeed a mind scrambler. Ceepak and Danny are in the city to take a deposition in an old case. The deposition doesn’t happen but there is plenty of action.

While walking through the casino the two spot a purse-snatcher and bring him down. This brings them to the attention of the head of security, Cyrus Parker. It turns out that Cyrus served in the same unit as Ceepak during his time in the service. Parker asks Ceepak and Danny for help during that evening’s performance by Richard Rock. Rock is under the impression that someone is going to attend the show and attempt to steal the secret to the success of one of his illusions.

Katie Landry is an old friend of Danny’s and Danny sees her in the lobby of the Xanadu hotel and casino. Katie is working as a nanny and tutor for Richard Rock’s children. Richard Rock is a magician who is putting on a show at the Xanadu. Katie tells Danny that she needs to talk to him later. Danny is hoping she is going to tell him that she is dumping the person that Danny thinks is her current boy friend.

When Danny goes backstage later he finds Katie’s body. Her death has not been an easy one and it is obvious she suffered and fought back and Danny is determined to find who is responsible.

Mind Scrambler is a fast-paced novel with wonderful characters. Although out of their element in Atlantic City, Danny and Ceepak move swiftly to discover what is really going on behind the scenes at the Xanadu.

Pat Reid - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Pat Reid - RAM

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