Becker's Ring

Over the course of several weeks, numerous victims of a serial mutilator are found scattered throughout New York City, each succeeding victim more horribly mutilated than his predecessor. Freddy Lopez, the first victim, has had his mouth sewn shut and a blowhole carved in his cheek. As a final insult, his hands have been amputated. A few weeks later, Jerome Lewis is similarly disfigured, only his arms are joined at the wrists to create what the media calls a "hooper" (think about it, it'll come to you). Jerome is found with his newly joined arms encircling the base of a lamp post. Lieutenant Brent Kramer of the NYPD lands the case. Although he knows the media sideshow will be unbearable, he is thrilled by the prospect of searching for a "mentally disturbed needle in a mentally disturbed haystack". Assisted by his colorful sidekick, forensic chemist and jack of all trades Nigel Atkerson, Kramer uses his considerable wiles to track down the mutilator (who barely avoids being tagged with the ignominious moniker "Dr. Smegma") before he or she can commit another heinous crime. Mr. Cohen chronicles the resulting mayhem with panache. His characters are quirky and larger than life, their dialogue crisp and laugh-out-loud funny. Cohen's narrative bounces around like a pinball--you never know what's next. The reader is presented with gross out horror, scientific asides, manipulative agents, sympathetic victims, weird suspects, a bizarre villain, a Late Night Top Ten List ("10 Things You Can Do With a Hooper"), a frenzied media, an eccentric botanist and more--it's as outrageous as real life, only a little bit more organized. Even the chapter titles are witty--my personal favorites where "Things Busy People Do Late at Night", "An Afternoon with Zippy", "Pfffffft!" (you'll get this after you've read the book), and "A**wipe".

the first chapter will have you hooked. this is a scary read, and the detail is riveting. even though the events are pulse-quickening, there is well-placed humor in which the author seems to be winking at us. the conclusion, often the downfall of many mysteries, is completely consistant with the logic of the whole story. however, as with most murder mystery/police procedurals, skip the obligatory romance, this time involving the #2 male lead and an asian police department computer programmer, in which the dialogue is sophomoric and many of the references nigh-racist. would have been 5 stars if it weren't for the love affair.

This was one book that I could not put down. Although I read it several months ago I can not stop thinking about it.Steve Martin Cohen has an excellent imagination, along with his ability to write and create unique characters that means one heck of a book.If you liked Silence of the Lambs then you will love this over the edge thriller. Just remind me not to bumb into Mr. Cohen in a dark alley at night!

I enjoyed this book, and I want to read more. Could someone leave more titles by this author in another review? Or how I could find them, for they seem to be out of print? Thanks

If I were stranded on a desert island, this is the book I would want with me. Cohen is a genius! It was a pleasure to read a book from this new, fresh, sick, warped mind. I first became aquatinted with his work while reading his first book, "Seven Shades of Black." I look forward to his next book, although, I can't believe he can top this one. Can't wait for the movie version. BUY THIS BOOK, YOU'LL NEVER BE THE SAME!