Cutline

This is another great suspense book by Bonnie Hearn Hill, who in my opinion is one of the queens of suspense. I've yet to read a book by Bonnie HH that I could put down. As a fiction writer myself, I always turn to Bonnie's books for a study of craft. Her plots, characters and writing are stellar. Geri LaRue is a likeable character, a mixture of insecurities and great strength. The supporting cast of characters are richly unique and compelling. What I like about all of the characters is that they are a unique mix of larger than life, but yet so inherently human and easy to identify with. The plot is tightly woven and fast paced and kept me guessing until the end. All in all, an excellent read.

The time period for the story was only two weeks, but it was long enough to learn to love Geri LaRue. I don't know how this much, much older reader identified with a 28-year old gal with purple hair, but I sure did. Once I jumped into the story, there wasn't really a place to stop reading. I'm just glad I started it after getting on board for a nine-hour flight. I never guessed who the killer was, but once I learned, it was so obvious. The author has a knack for laying out clues without slapping the reader in the face with them. If you like the kind of book that makes you feel like you're there watching the action up close, you'll love this one.

Wow! I was blown away by the characterization and storyline of Cutline. I was kept on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who was behind all of the murders, and was so surprised when the person was revealed. I had no idea it was going to be who it was. Bonnie Hearn Hill's talent shines in this new book. I was completely engrossed into the story and truly cared about the characters. So glad that Geri LaRue continues on in Off The Record, the last in this series. Buy this book - you won't regret it!

The novel "Cutline" is a winner. I never could figure out who the killer was until the author revealed it at the end. She had me fooled. I even went back and reread "The Fat Lady" parts to see if I had missed something. The characters and the plot of "Cutline" kept me turning the pages. Geri LaRue is a unique person and it was interesting to see how her ability to read lips coupled with her hearing loss, helped and hindered her. I have already developed an attachment to Geri. The way the author tied everything together at the end impressed me. The plot line and characters meshed and it was all explained. Now Geri is ready for her next adventure. I am looking forward to the next book by Bonnie Hearn Hill. Walter B. Rowe

The Body of San Francisco Father David McCaffrey is found slashed to death in Golden Gate Park. Because the victim is a priest, a media feeding frenzy explodes as the police investigate the homicide. When the forensic report confirmed Father David had sex just before dying, the media turns euphoric as they now have sensational cutlines starring the Father and "The Razor Killer". Among those reporting on the murder is Times journalist Leta Blackburn, but she vanished soon after Father David died. Reporter Geri LaRue arrives in San Francisco expecting to meet her friend's sister Leta at the airport, only to learn the award winning journalist has disappeared without a trace. Geri reviews Leta's file on the case, which leads her to therapist Malcolm Piercy, who believes the culprit gets off sexually by murdering beloved mates sort of like a black widow. As they work together and are attracted to one another, the killer observes Malc and Geri with plans of a horrific CUTLINE involving a female reporter dying after a sexual encounter. The latest Bonnie Hearn Hill journalistic investigative tale (see IF IT BLEEDS) is a terrific tense thriller as readers ironically know how much danger Geri is in while the reporter is clueless in spite of her finding evidence pointing towards the killer. Geri is a dedicated solid reporter who knows that Malc is hiding something from her; Malc feels guilty but has doubts about revealing his theory even OFF THE RECORD (next LaRue installment). Fans of suspense cat and mouse thrillers with a romantic subplot will enjoy the exciting CUTLINE. Harriet Klausner