Book Review: Mission Flats

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Mission Flats     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
William Landay
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Delacorte, Sep 2003, $23.95, 384 pp.

In Versailles, Maine, retired Police Chief Claude and his son Ben, the current chief, struggle as roommates since the death two months ago of the family anchor, his wife and Ben’s mom. To escape the lack of communication between them, Ben inspects the deserted summer cabins near the lake. However, his leisurely stroll down memory lane thinking of his mom ends when he finds the corpse of Sussex County Assistant District Attorney Robert Danzinger in the fourth cabin checked.

Soon a horde from Massachusetts descends on the little hamlet. The Bostonian law enforcement Brahmans concentrate on ruthless drug king Harold Braxton in the MISSION FLATS section of the big city while leaving out the country bumpkin who started the investigation. None of these big city geniuses seem interested in answering why the ADA was in Versailles during the off-season? Not comfortable with what he sees, Ben obstinately continues his inquiries receiving assistance from retired cop John Kelly, his attorney daughter Caroline and mentor cop Martin Gittens. However even their ties to the deceased is suspect as a history of revenge begins to surface.

MISSION FLATS is a powerful and well written police procedural that proves former DAs can actually write a complete exciting novel that leaves the audience wanting more. The story line is filled with twists and turns and a final spin that will shock readers as few tales ever truly do. Fans will appreciate the deep look at the double helix twists of big city justice and police compromise and concession that places William Landay in his debut at the top of former ADA turn author list.

Harriet Klausner

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