Book Review: The Black Waltz

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Black Waltz     Amazon US TPB Amazon Canada TPB
Mari Hilburn , Michelle Poche
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Adult Content   Woman Main Character   Police Procedural   Religious Fiction
Writer’s Showcase, 2000, $16.95, 325 pp.

The crime scene shocks even the most harden police officer. The killer crucified a John Doe child leaving the cross upside down at the misnamed Sunshine State Home. The Denver police assign their expert on cult-related homicides, Bobby Byccanon, to run the investigation. Claire Sharpe will head up the District Attorney’s office side of the inquiries.

Bobby and Claire begin their search for the satanic killer. However, several other cult-like murders soon follow. Meanwhile, the media turns the killings and the investigation into a circus that leaves Denver residents in fear. For Claire, the nightmare turns darkest when the satanic serial killer abducts her beloved little girl, Megan. The race to stop a deadly cult has turned very personal.

THE BLACK WALTZ is an extremely gritty police procedural that focuses on a satanic cult turning homicidal. The story line is filled with non-stop action and increasing terror as the reader is fascinated and appalled by the plot, especially the cult members who seem like neighbors. Although the identity of the cult leader requires a psychological stretch, that does not stop Mari Hilburn and Michelle Poche from providing a triumphant debut that calls for sequels.

Harriet Klausner

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