Book Review: A Suggestion of Death

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

A Suggestion of Death     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Marianne Wesson
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller   Legal Setting
Series: Lucinda Hayes # 2
Pocket, Feb 2000, $23.95, 352 pp.

Mariah contacted Boulder attorney Cinda Hayes via a radio call-in show. Mariah claims her father, Colorado senatorial candidate Harrison McKay, sexually molested her as a child. However, the waif-like woman also admits that her memories of her relationship with her now estranged father are vague and seemingly repressed.

Mariah resides with a neo-Nazi militia group that leaves chills running up and down Cinda’s spine. Still, she begins to investigate Mariah’s claim. As Cinda makes her inquiries, she finds herself beguiled and repulsed by the militia’s “Judge” Pike Sayers. However, the case turns dangerous when someone, perhaps the enigmatic Pike, will kill to insure Mariah’s memories remain fragmented and other evidence remains buried.

A SUGGESTION OF DEATH is an excellent legal thriller that will propel Marianne Wesson soaring to the top of the bestseller lists. The astute story line focuses on the legal questions dealing with repressed memories while still pumping out action. Cinda retains her witty, self-deprecating vigorousness. However, her commons sense needs to be questioned when ugly incidents that should have sent her to the police, drive her to dig deeper. Cinda’s partner Tory Meadows continues to be a spirited caring individual and Pike adds a sinister freshness. With this tale and RENDER UP THE BABY, Ms. Wesson has quickly proven she is an impressive writer.

Harriet Klausner

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