Book Review: Blood Money

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Blood Money     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Thomas Perry
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller   Woman Main Character
Series: Jane Whitefield
Random House, $24.95, Jan 1999, 351 pp.

Once a professional vanisher, helping desperate people disappear, a weary and self-retired Jane Whitefield looks forward to a sedate married life in Upstate New York. She even promised her spouse Dr. Carey McKinnon that she no longer will step into danger.

However, Jane’s hopes for quiet abruptly ends when teenager Rita Shalford pleads with her for help. Rita cleans the Florida house of seventy-year old Bernie Lupus, financier to the mob. Apparently, the heads of the mob no longer trust Bernie who knows all the money laundering secrets since he created most of them. Rita and Bernie want to more than just vanish into the night. They also want $14 billion dollars of mob money to be distributed amidst charities. Regardless of her vow to Carey, Jane cannot resist the lure of the hunt.

BLOOD MONEY, the fifth Whitefield book, is the best tale of a wonderfully unique series. Jane retains her freshness as her relationship with her loved one is explored. The way she allows people to disappear makes for fascinating reading. Bernie and Rita will steal the audience’s hearts even though he has been a key player for the mob. The story line is fun and exciting as Jane and crew struggle to “launder” the ill-gotten loot. Thomas Perry mixes a fabulous thriller with great characters, making him one of the genre’s best.

Harriet Klausner

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