Capitol Murder: A Novel of Suspense

Until reading this book, I was unfamiliar with Mr. Bernhardt's character, Ben Kincaid. Now that I've been converted into an ardent fan, I intend to get to know this Ben fellow better. Capitol Murder is a fast-paced fascinating exploration of the mechanisms of national power alongside the subculture of vampire wannabes, all couched in a murder mystery. Mr. Bernhardt's development of standout characters makes the story all the more absorbing. He has figured out how to make a character at once endearing and disgusting. He then places these characters in the hallowed halls and offices of the capitol and the seedy goth clubs tucked into the other, less-explored parts of Washington. Capitol Murder is one of those books I began casually, then found myself tucking into my attache case to read on my lunch break, in the waiting room at the auto repair shop, and on my nightstand before turning out the lights (I might not recommend that one if you're after a good night's sleep). I'm now a fan, and look forward to reading more stories from this storytelling master.

One of William Bernhardt's best. This one could be made into a movie.

I enjoy almost any type of genre, and was very surprised to see the dedication to Joss Whedon at the beginning. I guess that should have clued me in that there would be an occult twist to this novel. Still, it was enjoyable, if not believable. And I suppose I should modify the "believable" part as the author mentions his research into the occult aspects of the book. All in all, it was the politics of what happens at the denouement that was the most unbelievable. I would still recommend this book, but keep your skepticism in check.

William Bernhardt has penned another page-turner. Combining his courtroom scenes with the action outside the courtroom is what I like best about this author. His skill at throwing surprises at the reader is also notable. I thought this to be an all around great read all the way through. From inside:"Aristophanes: youth ages, immaturity is outgrown, ignorance can be educated, drunkenness sobered--but stupid lasts forever." Highly recommended

In his fourteenth Ben Kincaid novel, "Capitol Murder," William Bernhardt moves from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Washington, D. C. Ben's old chum, Democratic senator Todd Glancy, has been having an affair with his beautiful young aide, Veronica Cooper. Glancy and his staff are understandably alarmed when a sordid and explicit videotape is released to the media showing the senator and Cooper in an extremely compromising position. Glancy summons Ben to handle any legal fallout that may ensue. Unfortunately, the senator's problems are just beginning. Soon, Cooper is found brutally murdered in Glancy's senate hideaway, and the police immediately suspect that the politician decided to silence his lover permanently. Bernhardt has made his reputation by combining lively courtroom theatrics with suspense, romance, and campy humor. This time around, he has chosen an unsubtle metaphor to describe the goings-on in our nation's capital--vampirism. It seems that a bloodsucking cult is operating in Washington and Veronica Cooper, along with other young and beautiful female victims, was under the spell of an insane, Svengali-like leader. Kincaid's investigator, the hulking but good-hearted Loving, makes the rounds of vampire hangouts and meets some extremely sick puppies who are into sex, sado-masochism, drugs, and very eerie and painful rituals. If Loving can prove that Veronica was involved with these weirdoes, there may be enough reasonable doubt to get Glancy off the hook. "Capitol Murder" is brisk and, occasionally, laugh-out loud funny; however, too often it is cutesy, heavy-handed, and preachy. The stomach-turning torture scenes and the light-hearted banter make for an incongruous combination. As if this unusual blend of dark and light themes weren't enough, Bernhardt also inserts heavy-handed political commentary about ambitious, greedy, and promiscuous elected officials who operate without a conscience or moral code. The courtroom scenes are lively and the mystery is fairly compelling, but the far-out ending is completely implausible. Still, the lead characters are as likeable as ever. Ben is a sweet nebbish and a man of integrity who is also a brilliant courtroom strategist. Christina is Ben's partner and a knowledgeable and poised defense attorney in her own right. Fans of this series have long been rooting for these two lovebirds to finally pass beyond the snuggling stage. Will Ben's commitment issues forever prevent him from declaring his intentions to his lady love? Although "Capitol Murder" is far from perfect, those readers who, like me, have stayed with Ben and Christina since day one will want to read the latest installment.