The Art of Deception

Another terrific crime thriller from Mr. Pearson. This is part of the Lou Boldt/ Daphne Matthews series but the Daphne features as the main character in this gripping tale. A suspected suicide, a suspicious boyfriend, an unwanted allied brother who becomes more and more erratic. The whole story keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next. Great work as usual, Mr. Pearson.
I would like to see more with Daphne as the main character.

I live in the historic part of Seattle. Originally the city was built one story below the sidewalk level of today. There is an old city underground in this neighborhood. Some of it you can tour and most of it is blocked off and full of stories. This one is one of those. Lou Bolt, John LaMoia and Dauphne Matthews share another good story but this time right here in my own neighborhood!

Not a bad book but too many cliches in it for my taste. It held my attention and went by pretty quick.

This is a book that is VERY difficult to put down. I love that it is unpredictable as well. A great murder mystery,not for the faint of heart.

A good read. Tension,finger pointing to who did this crime of kidnapping and murder of young women who look alike.

Setting: Seattle

Protagonists:
Lou Boldt: Seattle Police Lieutenant, strong yet gentle
Daphne Matthews: Seattle Police psychologist, strong yet fragile
John LaMoia: macho cowboy Seattle Police Sargeant ("he doesn't walk, he swaggers")
Ferrell Walker: psycho brother of murdered girl whose case Daphne takes
Mama Lu: mysterious Asian power broker and friend of Lou Boldt (she calls him "Mr. Both" and he calls her "Great Lady")

First Line: "She lay on her side, her head ringing, her hair damp and sticky."

Main Theme: Everything seemingly disparate is connected! Daphne tries to solve a crime of a murdered girl without help, and almost gets herself killed. Boldt is trying to find two missing women. There has been a murder in Seattle's Chinese show more community.

Subtheme: Daphne and LaMoia discover feelings for one another [viz: "She wanted to get naked. She wanted him inside her, right here on the kitchen counter."]

Main Action: All roads lead to the Underground, a dark and dangerous warren of buildings under downtown Seattle abandoned after the fire that leveled Seattle more than a hundred years ago.

(JAF) show less

Too much introspection and not enough action.