Book Review: Chilling Effect

Reviewed By: Woodstock - RAM

Chilling Effect     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Marianne Wesson
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller   Legal Setting
Series: Lucinda Hayes # 3

Wesson is one author who should write faster, in my opinion. This is the third entry in her series featuring Cinda Hayes, an attorney practicing in Boulder, Colorado. The previous books have featured interesting legal dilemmas and the latest continues the trend.

Cinda's new client is the mother of a young girl who died at the hands of a pedophile who spent his days engrossed in a pornographic video which purports to show the murder of a young girl. The mother seeks to hold the producers of the tape accountable for her daughter's death. Cinda and her partner decide on a risky strategy in the minefield of potential challenges on first amendment grounds. Invoking court cases upholding product liability claims, they plan a suit for damages against the producers and distributors of the tape.

An old flame of Cinda's now lives and works in Los Angeles, and following clues she obtains after visiting him Cinda manages to track down the production team who made and later marketed the tape in question.

Wesson has several surprises for the reader, culminating with a startling moment in the early days of the trial. She does not wrap up every loose end for the reader - leaving at least a few intriguing issues to linger in the mind after the book is closed for the final time.

Woodstock - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Woodstock - RAM