Book Review: Vapor Trail

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Vapor Trail     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Chuck Logan
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Series: Phil Broker # 4
Harper Collins, April 2003, $24.95, 320 pp.

Last year in Stillwater, Minnesota, elementary school teacher Ronald Dolman was put on trial for molesting six-year-old Tommy Horrigan but despite the overwhelming evidence against him, the jury voted to acquit him. Somebody took the law into their own hands and murdered Ronald, an action the media and the public approved of wholeheartedly calling him or her "The Saint". A year later "The Saint" kills a priest in the confession booth because he was supposedly molesting little boys.

Sheriff John Eisenhower deputizes private investigator Phil Broker (see ABSOLUTE ZERO) so that he can legally question Harry Cantrell who he suspects of knowing the identity of the Saint. After Phil gets the information from Harry, he is supposed to escort the policeman to a detox facility. Harry doesn’t intend to make life easy for Broker who he holds responsible for the death of his wife and the Saint is not making it easy for the police. She has gone from vigilante to serial killer methodical, organized and deadly.

Author Chuck Logan has written an exciting police procedural thriller starring a protagonist whom tries to work on the right side of the law even when it cost him his friendship with Harry. The plot is full of red herrings, misdirection and unexpected twists and turns making VAPOR TRAIL an exciting roller coasters ride of suspense. The author ensures that the reader will read his next book by telling the audience where the hero’s daughter can be found.

Harriet Klausner

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