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Joe McGuinness has just got his bar license when the firm's senior partner is murdered. Then, whilst on a date with Mia Ortiz, a personal assistant to one of the firm's wealthiest clients, they walk into a murder scene. Mia's boss and her boss' son have been killed and Mia is arrested for the crime. Can Joe solve the mystery? The strongest point of the novel is its authentic atmosphere, mixing rodeo riding with a murder mystery. Phelan demonstrates her detailed research at great length and the reader will easily be able to visualise the Arizonan landscapes and its characters. However, when it comes to the actual mystery element of the story, Phelan runs into problems. Her characters are interesting, but for me, the identity of the murderer was patently obvious and Joe's investigative attempts did not ring true, bearing in mind his lack of experience in the matter. Phelan introduces elements of humour and as already stated, the setting is excellent. However, those looking for a detailed and complex murder mystery will not find it here. With some work, the book could easily have been improved, but without it, it remains as a swimming pool mystery, pleasurable to read in the sun, but swiftly forgotten after the holiday ends. The alt.books.dean-koontz FAQ can be found at: http://www.hildbede.freeserve.co.uk/faq.htm
Reviewed by Luke Croll, March 2003
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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