Book Review: Affirmative Reaction

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Affirmative Reaction     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Aileen Schumacher
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Romantic Suspense
Series: Travers-Alvarez # 3
Write way, Aug 1999, $24.95, 312 pp.

Fifteen years ago, affirmative action was coming into vogue, allowing Craig Diaz to expand his one person contracting firm into a large conglomerate. Craig was awarded the contract to build Monte Vista Heights, a hundred-acre development with a 350 home proposal. Craig also planned to run for city commissioner, a situation that alienated radical right wingers who prefer Hispanics to remain in their place. Craig’s work sites were under harassment and the Monte Vista storm drains failed the test, forcing him into bankruptcy. Craig ultimately committed suicide.

In the present time, the engineering firm of Tory Travers is commissioned to determine the cost of bringing the Monte Vista project up to code. Tory inspects the site and realizes that the drains work properly. Just prior to a city run water test, Tory finds the body of a dead woman in one of the drains. Tory teems up with El Paso detective David Alvarez to uncover what happened to the victim, a bigot who had the power to deny permits to Diaz. The investigation shows the current crime links to the Diaz fiasco. Though many suspects surface, only one of them is willing to kill again to keep certain secrets buried.

The third “Travers-Alvarez” murder mystery (see ENGINEERED FOR MURDER and FRAMEWORK FOR MURDER) is a complex, often times humorous, and very entertaining novel. The relationship between the two protagonists boils to a new temperature high, but that does not stop them from professionally working to solve the homicide. Aileen Schumacher is a talented author who has cross appeal to romantic suspense fans as well as who-done-it readers. She is a rising star in both genres.

Harriet Klausner

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