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This is another Bill Smith and Lydia Chin mystery. The story is set in The Bronx, a place of street gangs, mean streets, decaying neighborhoods and violence. Yet CONCOURSE is much more than another urban murder mystery. Rozan invests her novels with thoughtful examinations of current phenomena in America's social structure. She does this in careful ways which inform and move her stories forward, rather than getting in the way of powerful story-telling. Her characters are well-defined, always interesting and often amusing. Dialogue is earthy, pithy and to the point. In CONCOURSE, private investigator Bill Smith, almost as a favor for an old friend, goes undercover to try to learn who killed a mutual friend. Smith is inserted as a guard at the Bronx Home for the Aged. His task quickly expands as he begins to detect unanticipated layers and motivations. There are many more players inside and outside the home than were expected. Through most of the book, as Smith interacts with other characters, Lydia Chin remains in the background, coming forward to discuss elements of the case. Her talents and ultimate actions are vital to the fabric of the story and the personal interactions between Chin and Smith provide a natural and useful counterpoint to the grim venality of the situation. Rozan has an impressive talent for raising the level of tension and moving the story along, even though we know Smith will ultimately survive.
Reviewed by Carl Brookins, June 2003
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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