Double Dead

The mother of Greg Green is found murdered, beaten and brutalized, under questionable circumstances, in her bed. Boyfriend, multi millionaire, and not very likable John Lattimore, is the prime suspect. Investigative reporter - turned private investigator - Steve Harlan, is hired by the very well known and prominent Attorney, George Warren. The investigation is torturous, convoluted, and eventually successful. Steve, who is ambivalent towards his client, is helped by his contacts in the paper, and the police, and is a very good investigator in his own right. The story unfolds well, and when revealed, the actual perpetrator of this heinous crime is a surprise, and a good one at that.

Terry Hoover delivers a great mystery adventure in DOUBLE DEAD. This is the first book of what promises to be a very good series. The insight into her characters is refreshing. Glimpses into the private lives of the characters are gratifying. The interplay between characters adds to the effortless flow of this story. The time and place of this story comes alive under Terry Hoovers accomplished hand. References to the sixties and to the events coinciding with the crime, trial, and investigation are smooth and solid. We, the readers, are actually able to experience and live in the South, through the eyes of the characters. Terry Hoover makes the book believable, without relying on trite, convenient happenstances. This reviewer enjoys a writer able to accomplish this. This reviewer is highly motivated to read future entries of this series, and anything else Terry Hoover puts her mind to.

December 2007