Book Review: California Girl

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

California Girl     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
T. Jefferson Parker
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural   Thriller
William Morrow, 2004, 384 pages

In his latest novel, T. Jefferson Parker takes us into the past, with a story set in the late Sixties. Nick Becker is investigating the murder of Janelle Vonn, his first case as lead detective in a murder. His family is linked to the Vonns, a history that goes back to high school. Now, each of the three Becker brothers is investigating the case, one as a dectective, one as a minister and one as a reporter. Can they find out the truth?

'California Girl' is a powerful novel, with excellent characterisation. The author includes a large cast of characters and each individual narrative voice is strong. We see the majority of the novel through the eyes of Nick Becker, but his two brothers play a large role. The narrative also takes place in different periods, going from the present to the fifties and through into the sixties, giving the reader the history of the key players and allowing us to seem them develop and prosper.

Parker also succeeds in creating an excellent sense of place and time. He describes the burgeoning drug culture in depth and references to things that come will to pass, such as an ominous appearance by Charles Manson and the creation of a DNA database, make the book feel real.

Parker's ending neatly concludes the novel and reveals the truth behind the whole story. With a mix of action, excitement, love and desire, 'California Girl' is destined to be another big success for T. Jefferson Parker.

Luke Croll - RAM

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

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
http://lukecroll.translatorscafe.com