Mystery/Thriller Book Reviews
Page Five of FiveThe Testament by John Grisham
Island Books, January 2000Paperback, 533 pages.
ISBN: 0440234743.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Troy Phelan is an elderly multi-billionaire
who doesn't want his fortune to fall
into the hands of his greedy, obnoxious
children and ex-wives. He tricks his heirs
into thinking he is about to sign a
final will -- including having psychiatrists
present at the signing to verify his sanity.
Once the psychiatrists agree Troy Phelan
is undeniably sane, he
quickly pulls out a separate holographic
will, signs it and then runs for a door to
a terrace and leaps over the railing
to his death. The new
will blocks his ex-wives and children
out of their inheritance except for
one child, Rachel Lane, a
missionary living in the Brazilian
jungle. Rachel Lane is unknown
and a huge surprise to the Phelan children.
A mass of seedy lawyers appears to represent the
aggrieved heirs in challenging the will.
Meanwhile, John Stafford, Troy Phelan's long
time attorney and executor of the will appoints his
friend, Nate O'Riley, to locate Rachel
Lane. Nate is currently in rehab for the third time
and it is unlikely he will ever fully recover
from his alcoholism.
Stafford knows returning the office will do him
no good and hopes the adventure will help
him in someway.
Nate agrees and starts on the journey to
locate the missionary in hopes that
he can find her and convince her to accept the gift and keep
billions of dollars away from the greedy
Phelan children.
Grisham's success is due to his skill at crafting amazing stories and superb characters. His latest novel is no exception. Grisham called on on some of his own life experiences for inspiration. Grisham has visited the Pantanal region of Brazil twice and plans to go back. His experience with the swamp helps account for very believable scenes that involve the swamp, both its frightening reptile infested-side and its strange beauty and charm. Nate O'Riley is an interesting character -- he is flawed with dependency on alcohol, but has a heroic heart. You will find yourself rooting for him to stay on the right track and avoid another drinking binge. A highly imaginative plot and appealing characters make this story a winner.
Witness in Death by J.D. Robb
Berkley, March 2000Paperback, 368 pages.
ISBN: 0425173631.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Futuristic cop Eve Dallas is back in the 10th book
in this gripping mystery series. Eve and her husband Roarke
are attending a performance of Agatha Christie's
famous play, Witness for the Prosecution, when
one of the actors is killed when a real knife is substituted
for the prop knife that was supposed to be used. Suddenly
Eve is plunged into the theatrical world. Totally out of her
element (she's more at home at the site of a brutal
serial killing) Eve must wade through the collection of
giant-sized egos and consummate acting skills to find
a killer who is about to strike again.
Nora Roberts surprises us again with this decidedly different (and wildly entertaining) story in the Eve Dallas series. Paying homage to Dame Agatha Christie, Roberts gives us a theatrical "who done it" which is witty, well-plotted and funny, especially when the tough as nails Eve is forced to deal with posturing divas. The relationship between Eve and Roarke continues to grow, as does the one between Officers Peabody and McNab. Eve and Roarke's story resonates with strong emotional impact, and adds to the story immensely. You don't need to have read the other books in the series to understand what's going on, but after you've read one of the books you're sure to want to read all of the other ones in the series.
--Claire E. White
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