Finally an unpredictible mystery!

books:


	• Random Victim (Leisure Fiction) Michael A. Black Leisure, 2008 - 323 pages average customer review:based on 7 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Random Victim

There are police procedurals, and then there are police procedurals. In this novel the procedure is more like an obstacle course. On the one hand, there is Sgt. Frank Leal of the Chicago Sheriff's Department raring to solve a cold murder case, and then there is his superior, a lieutenant resolutely placing roadblocks in his way.

The plot is straightforward: a woman judge is found murdered in a trunk sunk in a lake. After months, no progress is made in solving the crime. But the Sheriff is up for reelection, and his opponent is running ahead saying he'd solve it. So a task force is formed, with Leal, a woman, a black man and an Irishman the components. The woman and the black man have no experience--except to provide "racial balance" in the publicity photos.

Despite all the foot-dragging and misdirection by the lieutenant heading up the effort, progress is made from time to time. It is a well- plotted and -paced story, leading the reader on step-by-step to a conclusion that probably should be anticipated, but is not seen until it is presented at the conclusion. Leal is a real character, while many of the others are stereotypes (for a good reason). The plot is interesting and the book well worth reading and recommended.

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A Crackerjack Police Procedural

It's a real treat to read a police procedural written by someone inside the profession. That's not to say there aren't fine novels of the genre written by non-cops but an insider's work has a sense of familiarity and authenticity that others do not. As a suburban Chicago copper, Mike Black knows the intricacies of the work, the jargon, the internal politics and the characters. He also knows what drives a homicide investigation and how the players, from crooks to cops, to supervisors,to states' attorneys can derail even the highest priority case. Mike's street experience shows clearly. What shines just as brightly is his ability to put it all together for the reader. The day to day work of solving a heater case can be deadly...dull. Mike keeps the pace of Random Victim snapping along with colorful personalities, realistic scenarios and action scenes that would translate easily to the big screen. With the exception of Sam Reaves and Homicide 69, I haven't liked a Chicago cop story this much since Dave Case's Out of Cabrini and the earlier work of Bill Granger. I'm eager for another chance to ride along with Frank and Olivia and their Cook County colleagues.

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The author knows his stuff!

Michael A. Black's new book, the first of a series, is a top notch police procedural. And it's no wonder--Black is a Chicago police sergeant as well as a fine writer. RANDOM VICTIM oozes authenticity, one of the most important elements of the police procedural genre. It's also a cracking good story with characters worth following. Recommended!

A Writer Who Knows His Stuff

Rather than summarize the plot here -- because this book is so good you should just read it -- let me just take a moment to say that Michael A. Black has created a winning detective combination in Frank Leal and Olivia Hart. A full-time police officer in Chicagoland for the past 30 years, Author Black has created this highly original series to give readers a glimpse into the world of Chicago-area detectives. It's great. Very real.

Like all Michael A. Black books, RANDOM VICTIM features strong characters, fast-pacing, and a clever plot. Can't wait to see what's next.

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Finally an unpredictible mystery!

I've been reading mysteries my whole life.

In most cases the books I'm seeing now are the same old thing with barely any changes...until Random Victim by Michael A. Black.

Everything in this book is fresh, from the characters to the plot, and I enjoyed reading it from page one through to the unpredictable end.

I hope there are more books in the series so I can see more of what have become my favorite characters in the classic crime-mystery genre. Well written, good flow, and I have to say I loved having it set in Cook County!

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