Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Dead Low Tide
Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Jamie Katz
Class/Genre: Mystery Amateur Sleuth
Harper, Dec 1998, $5.99, 320 pp.
Nineteen year old Aaron Winters has lived with his cousins ever since his parents died. He especially enjoys the summers at Wettamessett near Boston. Family friend attorney Dan Karden visits Aaron's guardians (Ann and Frank) often. Considering that Dan is a single hot shot while Ann and Frank are family oriented, the lasting of the friendship is a bit surprising. On his current visit, Dan is challenged to a bike race by Aaron, who ultimately takes the lawyer to the Houghton tire pile where an apparent illegal dumping is occurring.
A few days later, Aaron dies in what is officially considered an accident. Ann and Frank have their doubts and ask Dan to investigate. Dan turns to his old buddy, former police chief Al Thompson for some advice. Soon Dan goes back to the Houghton tire pile seeking evidence that Aaron was murdered because of his spying on the illegal dumping. By doing this, Dan places his own life in jeopardy.
DEAD LOW TIDE is an interesting amateur sleuth tale that brings to life the working class side of Cape Cod. Dan is a driven individual who does not know when to fold. The support players, especially Al, add the Yankee touch to the novel. The who-done-it is well designed even though the criminal element is obvious early one. This does not take away from Jamie Katz's debut novel, which will please fans of gritty New England tales.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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