Book Review: The Deep Blue Alibi

Reviewed By: Cheryl - RAM

The Deep Blue Alibi     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Paul Levine
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Legal Setting   Thriller   Humorous
Series: Steve Solomon and Victoria Lord # 2
Bantam, 2006

Levine's 2006 'Deep Blue Alibi' - a combination of the 'legal' and 'lunatic Florida' mystery subgenres - is as entertaining as his previous 'Solomon vs Lord' book. Victoria Lord has a promise of some legal work from an old family friend she hasn't seen in years, while Steve Solomon is trying to get his father restored to the bar - much to his father's annoyance. Naturally, both cases turn out to be far more complicated than they initially appear to be, and soon various colourful characters are trying their best to persuade Victoria and Steven of the proper courses to take in their investigations.

In addition, Victoria and Steven's personal lives are intertwined with their professional lives. Victoria wants professional independence from Steve and is uncertain about the future of their personal relationship. Steve desperately wants to keep Victoria with him personally and professionally - but finds it hard to resist 'helping' her with her new case in a way that infuriates her.

The eccentric characters and the environmental themes are somewhat reminiscent of Hiassen's books, although I think Levine's characters are better developed than Hiassen's.

The scene at the Polynesian Beach Club seemed to drag a little, but for the most part the story was fast-paced, and the plot was twisty and gripping. Readers looking for a funny story about mostly realistic (if eccentric) characters should enjoy 'Deep Blue Alibi'.

Cheryl - RAM

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