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NINE
by Jan Burke
Simon & Schuster, October 2002
369 pages
$24.00
ISBN: 0743223896


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

Someone is finding innovative ways to murder people listed the F.B.I.'s Ten Most Wanted list. It may be tantalizing for many members of the public who seem to be drawn to the vigilante killers and even a few of the police who have seen some of these villains escape the U.S. justice system.

Los Angeles County Homicide Detective Alex Brandon begins to see a pattern when the bodies are all are discovered in his district and the manner of death eerily resembles a serial killer he investigated years ago. This monster was finally killed by his stepson.

As evidence is gathered many signs point to a school known for taking in the misfit teenagers of wealthy Californians. Some may be merely unruly or have parents who might feel no desire to cope with adolescent problems, but among them have been true sociopaths. Does this "gang" of adult killers have its beginning at that institution?

Burke has many characters, all of whom are well-rounded. Her use of multiple points of view causes no problems for the readers as we come to care about some of the damaged souls who move through the pages of "Nine". Some of the others may not be at all likable, but are certainly fascinating as the author describes their thoughts and actions. From the two intriguing teens to senior citizens, each is three dimensional.

The characters have all had lives filled with trauma and pain. It is interesting how some want to make their world a better place, while others seek only revenge and justification for their most heinous acts.

When one reads a stand-alone novel by an author whose series characters have gained such a loyal readership and critical praise, it is often difficult for the reader to accept a variation from the series. As much as I love the Irene Kelly series, I must admit that Irene and Frank never entered my mind while reading this superb book. "Nine" is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Doris Ann Norris, November 2002

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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