Review: IndieReader Review
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 22, 2013
Abramowitz has done it again! In this sequel to Atticus for the Undead, Hunter Gamble, formerly a lawyer for the arcanes (vampires, zombies, werewolves, and other formerly "mythical" creatures) is now working in his father's firm, consumed with guilt for the death of his partner and friend, Kirsten Harper. He hates the work, and his dedicated and hardworking colleague Holly Shepard despises him for his apparent nepotism. Then an old friend, Cliff Hammond, is accused of a murder with dozens of eyewitnesses, and his only defense is magical coercion - a coercion that leaves none of the known traces. Hunter can't resist taking the case, but his investigation turns up some seriously disturbing information, leading him to a painful crisis of conscience.Abramowitz has yet again provided readers with a disturbing and painful exploration of moral choices that have no right answers, wrapped in a compelling story with enough humor to keep the reader from existential despair. This book is, if anything, even darker and its ethical questions more difficult than its predecessor. It still manages to be lively and entertaining, though, with plenty of surprises and some lighter moments. The storyline never seems to tire of turning its viewpoint upside down with each new revelation, and the ending is a cliffhanger all unto itself. Hunter's father has become a surprisingly sympathetic character, and Holly is a likeable new addition to the series - her reaction to her strange situation is entirely believable and perhaps ironically human.There is no easy answer in this book, and not even a clear resolution, but perhaps that's more true to life than anything else would be. The ending is inconclusive and leaves the reader hanging, but presumably the next book will take care of that.If you like a story that keeps you on your toes trying to figure out what's going to happen next; if you enjoy moral and ethical dilemmas, or if Atticus Finch, Perry Mason, and/or Encyclopedia Brown are among your favorite literary characters ever, you'll love IDENTITY THEFT.Reviewed by Catherine Langrehr for IndieReader