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AN ANIMATED DEATH IN BURBANK
by Michael Joens
St Martin's Minotaur, January 2004
338 pages
$24.95
ISBN: 0312307160


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

Detective Sandra Cameron works out of the Los Angles Sheriff's department. She is reasonably well off ­- she has a horse and a nice house ­- but still loves her job. Being a police officer entails interesting and dangerous cases and this one is no exception. Wendy Burgess is found floating in her bathtub. While it looks like a suicide, too many little things are off and murder is likely. Wendy worked in the animation business and as Sandra investigates Wendy's background, she learns there has been another suicide/murder recently in this same profession.

Parker Stewart, who helped build the popularity of animation, was found an apparent suicide in his house. While there is not an explanation for his death, he was a typical artist with artist mood swings. For this reason, his co-workers do not doubt it was suicide. The investigating officer on this case believes it to be murder. Detective Sergeant Tom Rigby is an embittered man; yet, a good cop. He is a loner and does not like having to share his information or his turf. While Sandra is willing to share information and split the investigation, Tom is not as easily persuaded. Sandra and Tom must work together as they find evidence that these two killings are part of a large scheme.

AN ANIMATED DEATH IN BURBANK is cute. It is also obviously a first mystery. At times, it seems as though the author is not sure whom he should be focusing on. Both Sandra Cameron and Tom Rigby are strong individuals and neither of them is willing to allow the other to have control of the story. I do not know if the next book will feature both characters in such active roles or if Sandra will remain the focus of the book; however, this is something Joens needs to decide quickly. Beyond this element, Joens has escaped a lot of the first mystery mistakes: the plot moves a long rather quickly, the dialogue flows well and the characters interact in realistic manners.

The use of animation as a plot devise is interesting. Animation, especially Japanese anime, has become increasing popular in today's culture. Animated movies, aimed at adults, have become blockbuster movies. Michael Joens takes his experience as a veteran of this industry and puts his own opinions and beliefs in the plot. While AN ANIMATED DEATH IN BURBANK does not provide an in-depth look at this genre, it does hint at the hidden cut-throat nature that exists in any entertainment industry.

AN ANIMATED DEATH IN BURBANK is the first mystery featuring Sandra Cameron. Michael Joens has plans for several additional books in this series.

Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, March 2004

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