Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Ditch Rider
Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Judith Van Gieson
Class/Genre: Mystery Woman Main Character Legal Setting
Series: Neil Hamel # 8
HarperCollins, Sep 1998, $23.00, 230 pp.
Attorney Neil Hamel and her lover The Kid are moving into their new love nest in the North Valley section of Albuquerque. As the couple adjusts to each other, Neil begins to become active in her new neighborhood, which is struggling with increased gang activity and violence. In particular, Neil becomes friends in an older sister-like way with teenager Cheyanne Morales.
When another teen is murdered, Cheyanne confesses to the authorities that she is the killer. Though the police have their doubts, evidence supports her claim and she is arrested. Neil has more than just some nagging doubts. She feels her young friend is innocent and begins to search for the truth even though it means crisscrossing through the center of some vicious gangs.
The eighth Hamel mystery, DITCH RIDER, is by far the best novel in a highly regarded series. Judith Van Gieson brings life to all her characters while freshening up her star with interesting and radical changes in her prime relationship. The insights into Albuquerque brings much genuine atmosphere to a vivid plot-line that centers around the ferocious and often times abusive impact of gangs. In the final analysis, it is the in depth and enlightened look at the intricacies of gangs that make Ms. Van Gieson's latest tale a must winner for those readers who relish a sonorous story.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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