Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Bait
Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
C. J. Songer
Class/Genre: Mystery Police Procedural Woman Main Character
Series: Meg Gillis # 1
Scribner, Aug 1998, $23.00, 320 pp.
Charlie and Meg Gillis, and her partner Mike Johnson were dedicated California police officers for many years until Charlie was murdered. Meg and Mike were prime suspects and even though they were ultimately cleared, they left the force because their belief in the system was shattered. Mike and Meg open up their own security business, which over its three-year life has become successful.
Though she managed to put Charlie's murder behind her, Meg always wondered who did it and why as no new clues surfaced. Everything abruptly changes when a frantic customer, Mr. Haroutunien, calls, begging for Mike to get to his home immediately. Unfortunately, Mike is a no-show that day, so Meg answers the summons. From that moment on, her life spins out of control. Having police back-up, Meg arrives at Mr. Haroutunien's home, only to have him deny ever speaking to her. The police take Meg in for questioning and while at headquarters her car is stolen. When the vehicle is retrieved, it is covered with blood as if someone was killed inside it. Mike remains missing and everyone is searching for him. The police begin to harass Meg, who now wonders if her business partner was on the trail of some crooked officers. Not trusting anyone, but knowing she needs help, Meg turns to her biggest tormentor, Sergeant Joe Reilly of the Special Tactics Unit. She prays that the two of them can find the answers to what is going down before either one of them is killed.
Remember the name C.J. Sanger because this talented writer has a great career ahead of her if this adrenaline-pumping, police procedural is any indication. Although BAIT has a fast-paced, action-filled story line, it is Meg who makes this a special novel. She is a quixotic mix of toughness, vulnerability, and bravado, who keeps on going even when the going gets ultra-tough. Ms. Sanger provides a unique insight into Meg's wryly and witty thought processes while also allowing the reader to observe a serio-comic, often times satirical edge to the sleuth. Meg is clearly one of the best female detectives to come down the fictional pike in several years. Hopefully, there will be more trips with her on horizon.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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