Review: Clever Mousetrap
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 12, 2013
LA Tempestad is an island off the California coast. It is part ranch, part preserve and mostly a hideout for knuckleheaded powerful men.The death of Gina Raines, a young Congressional aide is filled with intrigue, cover-ups and sheer ruthlessness. Ed Lane and Miranda Bell, both from the Federal police, investigate the tangled twists that involve more than broken bones and broken heads. What seems obvious, isn't.The characters range from farrier to organic farmer to marine biologist to student to a ranch General manager. Any could be the culprit; Alonzo Duncan, Vito Garza, or Duke Stockton. But, who had the means and motive? A mysterious boat docks during the night. Drugs are unloaded. The boat leaves. Is this a normal occurrence? Is this the reason these powerful men need secure privacy?Henry Simpson writes using realistic dialogue to further develop his characters. He digs deeper, goes in-depth with words, thoughts, behavior and actions. The interaction between Ed Lane and Miranda Bell provide each with a distinct voice, combined with internal monologue to animate conspicuous traits. This was Simpson's debut mystery. I had already read his Joey Costa' s New Game. I enjoy his work, his rapid fire delivery, and look forward to more. Very good read.This is more than fish and game, hangdog shadows, or Land Cruisers with headlights ablaze. It's a nice yarn without reimaging a spinning overdrive.