Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Hunter’s World-Fred Lichtenberg

Hunter’s World
Fred Lichtenberg
Five Star, Jun 8 2011, $25.95
ISBN: 9781594149603

In Eastpoint, Long island, former Manhattan based psychologist turned syndicated romance columnist John Hunter is found dead. The initial verdict is suicide due to an overdose of pills. Looking around inside Hunter’s house, Police Chief Hank Reed finds a hidden room containing sexually explicit portraits of local women including his wife Susan with the deceased and the dead man’s journal. However, the Suffolk County Medical Examiner Gloria Wollinksy informs Reed his friend Hunter was murdered.

The cop fears his wife may be the killer and already somewhat estranged though living together, after a spat he leaves. Also in several of the paintings is married waitress Sheryl Murphy. As he continues his inquiries, the townsfolk demand he stop his investigation as most believe Hunter got what he deserved.

This super police procedural focuses more on Reed’s lament as he fears his spouse or a friend is the killer of the town’s most infamous personality who was his buddy who he care for once but loathes the man now and even in death. The story line is character driven by the hero who also finds much of the townsfolk do not care who killed Hunter, which leave the police chief alienated with those he serves. Hunter’s World is a well written tale as omissions lead to misunderstandings and in this case homicide.

Harriet Klausner

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