Book Review: Six Figures

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Six Figures     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Fred G. Leebron
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Knopf, 2000, $22.00, 224 pp.

Warner Lutz may be the unhappiest person on the planet, (or at least in the Carolinas), although he seems to have it all. He makes more than an adequate living working for a nonprofit organization, has a nice wife and two children. However, he suffers from a mid-life crisis, taking his acrimonious frustrations out on his wife Megan.

Warner soon learns how fabulous is life was when an assailant attacks Megan near the art gallery where she works. Megan remains in a coma in a hospital as everyone who knows Warner is convinced he assaulted his spouse. His mother-in-law, his own parents, and even his children believe Warner attacked Megan. As bad as his relatives mistrust his pleas of innocence, the police strongly feel he is the prime suspect. All Warner can do is pray Megan awakens from her comatose state to affirm his innocence even as he wonders why everyone he knows thinks he is capable of such a vicious attack.

SIX FIGURES is an interesting drama that centers on the relationships of several people interacting with one person (Warner). The story line works because of everyone’s deep conviction that Warner could do the dastardly deed although at first glimpse the protagonist does not appear capable of performing the vicious act. Anyone who relishes a well-written disturbing character study of the pressure to succeed in middle class America will want to read Fred G. Leebron’s terrific tale.

Harriet Klausner

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