Book Review: Pale Shadow

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Pale Shadow     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Robert Skinner
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Private Investigator   Historical
Series: Wes Farrell # 5
Poisoned Pen, Aug 2001, $23.95, 227 pp.

In 1940 New Orleans, Dixie Ray Chavez informs his client Santiago "Spanish" Compasso that he killed Luis Martinez's girlfriend Linda Blanc without obtaining the information. Dixie feels that either Linda had no idea where her paramour is hiding and where he concealed the missing counterfeit plates, or she was one hell of a woman. Either way, Luis remains missing and Spanish remains upset because he wants the plates back now to print new twenty and fifty dollar bills.

Dixie sets in motion a whole new plan to force Luis to surface. Negro Detective Squad police officer Israel Duggett leads the investigation into Linda's brutal murder. The Treasury Department has interest in the case too because of the victim's connection to Luis and a flow of counterfeit money throughout much of the southeast.

Meanwhile Father Maldonar asks Luis' friend private investigator Wesley Farrell to find the missing man because back in El Paso Luis' mother is dying from cancer. Wesley begins to make inquiries into the whereabouts of his former mentor without knowing that Luis is the focus of a manhunt from both sides of the law.

The fourth Farrell historical mystery is an exciting investigative tale that brings to life 1940 New Orleans. The engaging story line makes the era seem very real with regional tidbits that intermingle quite effortlessly into the main plot. The cast is powerfully described while adding ambiance and depth to the authentic feel of Robert Skinner's superb story.

Harriet Klausner

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