Book Review: Nothing Else Matters

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Nothing Else Matters     Amazon US TPB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada TPB Amazon Canada HC
S. D. [Sandra] Tooley
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural   Ethnic
Series: Samantha "Sam" Casey # 2
Full Moon, Apr 2000, $22.95, 288 pp.

Chasen Heights Detective Sergeant Samantha Casey has been suspended from the police force due to some of the activities on her last case. Although feeling major levels of stress especially since her car was bombed in the exact manner that killed her father years ago, the half Native-American blames her spouse, fellow officer Jake Mitchell, for her being placed on suspension.

Sparrow is the superstar of hired guns. He has been hired to assassinate Reverend Everett Smith on the River Queen Casino. However, before the deadly Sparrow completes his assignment, someone else kills Smith. Sparrow soon realizes that the fee he obtained form his client is counterfeit. No one lives if they screw Sparrow. He now has a new target.

The owners of the River Queen hire Sam to prove their innocence. As she engages in a game of wits with Sparrow, Jake investigates the riverboat murder while struggling to patch up his relationship with Sam.

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS is an exciting detective story filled with mysticism, twists, turns, and red herrings that show the talent of S.D. Tooley to provide an entertaining tale. The story line is fun due to the various charcaters. Sam is a wonderful heroine who grapples with her dichotomous feelings towards her husband. Sparrow is an intriguing killing machine who brings the danger to the plot. Mystical elements fit into the tale and add to the overall enjoyment. As with WHEN THE DEAD SPEAK, NOTHING ELSE MATTERS will provide enjoyment to readers who will want more special deliveries like these from a gifted author.

Harriet Klausner

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