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BLOWN AWAY
Shane Gericke
Pinnacle Books
May 2006, $6.99 349 Pages
ISBN# 0-7860-1813-5

BLOWN AWAY pits first time cop against a sinister serial killer in this entertaining police procedural. Emily Thompson is a well rounded and likeable character that is brought into the investigation after evidence is obtained that links her with the killer. Her goal since entering the department has been to work homicide. Is she tough and smart enough to play with the bad guys and put up with the male oriented department? Is there a connection between Emily and the killer? The novel takes place over three days and involves enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end.

First time fiction author Gericke provides a well developed supporting cast to round out the novel. Each of these supporting characters could easily turn into their own character-based novels in the future. Captain Hercule Branch, Chief Kendall Cross play the stereotypical hero types and love interest Commander Marty Benedetti is compassionate and protecting of Emily. Each character brings balance and realism to the story line.

The first chapter of the book is as good as or better than any novel you will read this summer. Gericke has an eye for detail and this opening scene is cinematic. Although the plot of the story will be familiar to readers in this genre, the book is more about why are these crimes being committed. Gericke does little to hide the identity of the killer from his readers. This book contains many well placed action scenes that will keep you turning pages all night long. It is enjoyable to see a strong female lead character such as Emily in this genre.

Mystery Dawg

SOUTH BEACH SHAKEDOWN
The Diary of Gideon Pike
Don Bruns
Oceanview Publishing
September 1, 2006, $24.95 288 Pages
ISBN# 1-933515-02-3

Music journalist Mick Sever returns in this third outing to pair up with his ex-wife Ginny to find friend Gideon Pike. Korean mobster Jimmy Shinn wants it all. It's not enough to control one of the glitzy nightclubs, have strippers and porn stars at your waiting, the big house on the island. He wants the music rights and royalties to Gideon Pike's music and he will use any means necessary to own it all. Sever, who has saved his friend Pike's life before, is recruited by his ex-wife to find Pike so that she can edit Pike's diaries and get out from under Shinn's thumb. Fearing his safety Pike disappears and the race is on to find Pike and to solve the mystery of why all of Pike's friends are ending up dead.

Everywhere Sever turns to finds the answers to his friend's disappearance, more questions arise about who Gideon really is. Sever finds himself at the center of the conflict and is never sure who is a friend or an enemy. In the balance is the right to a $30 million dollar empire for the victor of the dispute.

Brun has carefully crated a rollercoaster of a ride. There are many insights into the music business and plenty of jokes to be had. Fast paced, Brun is a master at keeping you guessing as what will happen next. Although some may consider this not new territory, Brun creates memorable characters and a fast paced story that makes a terrific read. Once you start this book, set aside a few hours and enjoy the ride.

Mystery Dawg

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