Book Review: The Heir Hunter

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Heir Hunter     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Chris Larsgaard
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Private Investigator
Delacorte, Feb 2000, $23.95, 356 pp.

When reclusive octogenarian Gerald Jacobs died, he left behind an estate valued at $22 million. No record of Jacob having a life prior to a few years ago when he arrived at Hudson, New York exists leaving no heir.

Through a bribe, Alex Moreno learns about the estate. Along with her West Coast partner, private investigator Nick Merchant, they begin a search for the missing beneficiary, knowing they can earn several million on this case. They break into the home of the deceased, but run into trouble with the law and rival agencies even more unsavory than Alex and Nick. Worse yet, the Feds want this investigation aborted because Jacob was in the witness protection program.

THE HEIR HUNTER is an exciting look at the lucrative but extremely competitive heir hunting business. The story line is fast-paced and filled with non-stop action even though debut author Chris Larsgaard occasionally slows down the plot with too much explanation. The lead protagonists are an intriguing duo. They are not only partners, but former lovers as well. Alex resides in Albany, New York while Nick lives in San Francisco but even keeping a continent between them can not ease the state of sexual tension that exists between them. No matter how good the characterizations and the storyline are, the appeal of this novel lies in the authentic descriptions of the world of the heir hunter, a very intriguing and exciting place to be.

Harriet Klausner

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