Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Sole Survivor
Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Derek Hanson
Class/Genre: Mystery
Simon & Schuster, Mar 1999, $25.00, 480 pp.
Dr. Rosie Trethewey hates the world. The belligerent psychologist loathes her former spouse, her disgusting lovers, and even her job. When she inherits a house on the Great Barrier Island, Rosie simply packs her belongings and moves.
Her new neighbors on the remote island off New Zealand fail to welcome her. Former WW II POW Red O'Hara and retired cop Angus McLeod treat Rosie with disdain as they fear the female invasion will nuke their lives. The concerns of Red and Angus prove correct as Rosie devastates their carefully laid out lives. With little chance of becoming friends, the trio becomes allies when ocean vessels begin to illegally fish nearby, destroying the natural habitat and endangering the local fish industry. Red, Angus, and Rosie must overcome their personal demons if they are to succeed as a united front against powerful foreign interests.
SOLE SURVIVOR is an intriguing character study about three individuals who dropped out of society for varying reasons. The eccentric cast provides a tantalizing look at island life through their myopic eyes. However, the story line never gets into first gear, leaving readers wondering when the plot will turn non-stop. Derek Hanson scribes an interesting character study that readers who relish depth to their protagonists will enjoy. However, anyone who wants action to accompany their characters will find long stretches of tedious prose.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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