Book Review: Killer Swell

Reviewed By: Pat Reid - RAM

Killer Swell     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Jeff Shelby
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Private Investigator
Series: Noah Braddock Mysteries
Dutton, 2005, 245 pps.

Killer Swell is a unique title to say the least. I puzzled over the meaning of the title until I opened the book and found out that Noah Braddock, the young PI in this book, is also an avid surfer. He lives in San Diego in a beachfront apartment overlooking the water that he loves.

Since swell can mean to increase in force or intensity the word can be applied to the story and to the killer. This was a book I wanted to read straight through to the end.

Marilyn Crier, the mother of his former high school girlfriend Kate, hires Noah to locate her daughter Kate who is missing. Noah gets the job done and finds Kate quickly but he doesn’t find her alive. Then he has to search for her murderer. Kate dumped Noah just before she entered college and he has always had a special place in his heart for her. The search for her murderer uncovers facts about Kate’s life that he would really rather have never known. His friend Carter helps Noah in his investigation. Carter is a really tough guy with a lot of connections and not to be underestimated. But then don’t underestimate Noah either.

Detective Liz Santangelo is a detective with the San Diego police department. She is also a former lover of Noah’s. Noah and Liz butt heads a few times throughout the book. Noah and Carter get involved in things that she would rather they didn’t.

The book is fast paced and a quick read. I am looking forward to seeing Noah and Carter again in Jeff Shelby’s next book. I hope that will be soon.

Pat Reid - RAM

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