Book Review: The Big Thaw

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Big Thaw     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Donald Harstad
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural
Series: Carl Houseman # 3
Doubleday, Aug 2000, $23.95, 368 pp.

Many people including Americans think the coastal cities of the United States are cesspools of criminal activity. Those same folks believe the Heartland is filled with honorable individuals where crime is nil or simple pranks. However, Nolan County, Iowa Deputy Sheriff Carl Houseman knows that criminals and terrorists can attack anywhere at anytime because he already has had one incident that led to deaths and injuries.

Currently, Houseman struggles with solving the case of who killed two criminals burglarizing a home in which the owners are in Florida. The initial investigation points towards their cousin, the driver. However, that changes when evidence proves that the terrorist Gabriel has returned and was using that home as a base for his next deadly activity.

Houseman narrates this tale and his asides augment the story line by bringing insight and feeling to the investigation. The story line is fast-paced as the tension mounts for law enforcement officials to stop Gabriel before he completes his latest caper. Donald Harstad has written an entertaining police procedural that highlights the American Heartland through the eyes of an endearing hero.

Harriet Klausner

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