Book Review: Dead File

Reviewed By: Cheryl - RAM

Dead File     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Kelly Lange
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character
Series: Maxi Poole # 2
Mysterious Press, 2003, 320 pages

Maxi Poole, a television news anchor-reporter is sent to investigate a report that the brilliant and powerful co-founder of a vitamin and supplements business has been found dead in her office. Maxi follows the story as the relationships among the dead woman's associates - her assistant, her husband, co-founder of the company, and her husband's assistant - are unravelled. They all have their secrets and plots. Maxi becomes more and more involved, as the widower is unusually - perhaps suspiciously - willing to offer her access and interviews. Meanwhile, the pathologists are having some difficulty determining the cause of death, although the death is clearly highly suspicious.

The novel is fleshed out with descriptions of Maxi's co-workers, newsroom life and the periodic appearances of her friend and colleague Richard. There is also an interesting and well-written mini-mystery sub-plot. These 'extras' raise the novel above the average by making Maxi a well-realized character, and by providing a sense of place.

The weakest part of the novel is the ending, in which everything is explained in a series of dramatic and improbable scenes. On the other hand, suspense as to the identity of the murderer was successfully maintained until the climactic scenes, and the identity and motive of the murderer were plausible. This is an important characteristic of a murder mystery for me, and almost overcame my dislike of the disclosure scenes.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel. It was entertaining, not too dark or violent, and an above average light read.

Cheryl - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Cheryl - RAM

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