Book Review: Cube 6

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Cube 6     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Thomas W. Griffin
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Medical   Thriller
Watson, Apr 2003, $24.95, 320 pp.

Though the first two victims are hookers found dead in motels with no evidence of homicide, Seattle citizens worry about a Northwest Ripper living amongst them. Frightening the locals with his eerily serene descriptions, Seattle Times reporter Jon Kirk calls the culprit the Sandman based on the way the victims seem to go gently "asleep" into the night.

The local authorities react to the media attention given to the Sandman by setting up a task force headed by Detective Karen Able. A clue leads to University of Washington Medical School Professor Holyoke, but no one can locate him. As Jon and Karen reluctantly combine their talents to uncover a killer and locate the missing professor, the Sandman officially becomes labeled a serial killer as the count rises.

Thomas W. Griffin rolls a seven with his first novel CUBE 6 with this loaded gritty police procedural. The suspense rises as the audience follows the mental competency of the killer deteriorate over time and the anxiety of Jon and Karen towards each other and stopping the Sandman. However, the subplot involving the tempestuous relationship between the lead characters seems contrived to add stress on and between the cop and the journalist. When they stick to the case, the audience observes a strong exciting investigative thriller while true tension forms between the protagonists. Suspense fans and police procedural readers will appreciate this action packed novel.

Harriet Klausner

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