Thursday, June 9, 2011

Rogue-Frederick Ramsay

Rogue
Frederick Ramsay
Poisoned Pen, Jul 5 2011, $24.95
ISBN 9781590589021

In DC, a car crash leaves college president and Ile’s fiancée, Ruth Harris in a coma. At the same time in Picketsville, Virginia, Ruth’s fiancé Sheriff Ike Schwartz expects a strong opponent in the upcoming reelection because the town mayor wants him out of office.

When Ike learns of the accident he has issues with the facts. Ignoring his election, he decides to make inquiries into the cause of the crash that he thinks was deliberately set. A former CIA operative, he, accompanied by another ex agent Charlie Garland, investigates though he knows the incident is outside his jurisdiction and will cause him trouble with law enforcement and with his election back home.

The latest Ike Schwartz mystery is more introspective than usual as the hero struggles with what has happened to his beloved. Although much less action than in Ike’s previous thrillers (see Secrets and Buffalo Mountain), fans of the series will enjoy his angst-laden need for the truth even while doubting that the locals will assist him as much as they did. Perhaps Ike’s least action oriented but still exciting entry, Rogue is an enjoyable tale as readers see the protagonist from a different poignant perspective.

Harriet Klausner

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