Book Review: Hook

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Hook     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
C. J. Songer
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural   Woman Main Character
Series: Meg Gillis # 2
Scribner, Dec 1999, $23.00, 304 pp.

Following the death of her police officer husband, Meg Gillis left the force to open up a security business in Beverly Hills with her good friend Mike Johnson, a former cop. An irate Mike is going to serve divorce papers to Rudolpho de la Pena, a former Argentine soccer star, who battered his wife Sylvia. Meg worries that her partner is too eager to deliver the papers and decides to serve them herself.

Meg goes to the Chaven Restaurant where she knows Rudolpho is enjoying a meal in front of plenty of witnesses. Instead of violence, Rudolph is friendly as if he has known Meg for a long time. Meg is confused because the stoic individual acts like a perfect gentleman, not an abusing husband. When Rudolpho commits suicide, Meg cannot stop herself from investigating, which earns her the displeasure of her lover police sergeant Joe Reilly and Mike. Her inquiries guide Meg to a conspiracy that could further lead to the death of her two male companions and herself.

C.I Songer made a strong debut with her first Meg tale, BAIT. As difficult as it may seem, her second novel, HOOK, is an even better mystery. The complex story line retains an easiness that allows readers to track the investigation that suggests a real life case. Dry wit runs through the pages especially when the independent Meg clashes with the protective Reilly. Ms. Songer baits her audience with a wonderful novel that hooks the reader from start to finish.

Harriet Klausner

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