Two rather far-fetched but believable conspiracies form the basis of this first in a new series introducing Beth Perry, Chief of Police of Washington, D.C., and her younger sister, Mace (changed from Mason). The latter is a disgraced former police sergeant just released upon having served two years in prison, having been convicted of armed robbery after presumably being set up in a Patty Hearst-type abduction during which she was doped up and forced to perform illegal acts.
Mace wants nothing more than to be a cop again, but of course being a con, such an event is highly unlikely. Unless, of course, a miracle happens and she clears herself or solves a big case overcoming all obstacles. Both sisters are somewhat beyond credibility in either mental or physical acumen, but, after all, that is the nature of much fiction and many protagonists.
The women’s paths cross with that of an attorney who discovers the body of a female partner, raped and murdered, falling out of his law firm’s refrigerator early one Monday morning. The body of a U.S. Attorney is discovered a couple of days later, shot in the head. Are these killings related? Are there national security implications? Some of the antics are unbelievable; on the other hand, who would believe the planting of explosives in someone’s underwear?
Written with the author’s usual smoothness and deft plotting, there are some frightening scenarios about intelligence operations. And the question of the ends justifying the means raises serious consideration with respect to government operations. On the whole, does good always outweigh evil?
Recommended.
