Deadly Revenge

Mary Cunningham is a woman of many talents. A resident of the Pacific Northwest, her writing has garnered an award from the Pacific NW Writers Conference. She is a graduate of the Renton Police Department's Citizens Academy and is a member of Sisters in Crime.In Deadly Revenge, Mary Cunningham presents Detective Spenser Dawson, a sexy and likeable member of the Seattle Police Department. He is the head of a task force formed after the death of Megan McGuire, a business woman and leader who was killed in a fiery car accident after someone cut her brake line. It is up to Spenser Dawson, with a little help from his father J.L. to solve this puzzler:"'Is your dad a consultant to the police department?' 'No, but he'd like to be, although he doesn't have the training. He's what you might call an armchair detective. He loves to read mysteries, especially the latest crimes by Earl Emerson, Ridley Pearson, and Ann Rule. In fact, he knows most of these Northwest authors because of his connections in the media.'"Cunningham's writing is crystal clear, with lots of plot twists and turns. She throws in Kari Townsend, head of the O'Neill Foundation, as a love interest and pivotal character in the solution of the murder. Sparks fly immediately between Spenser and Kari, and their missteps in building their relationship provide Kari's friend, Gayla Graham, the chance to become the perfect fairy godmother.Deadly Revenge is a well-written, meticulously plotted mystery with so many blind alleys that the reader is completely fooled. Cunningham presents fascinating characters and subplots that keep the action moving and the reader glued. Spenser Dawson is a wonderful hero, and his burgeoning relationship with Kari provides lots of clues as to what is really happening. Spenser's father and Gayla provide laughs, love, and a supportive web for the story. The task force is made up of interesting individuals, and Cunningham lets the reader in on lots of police secrets. A great first effort! This reviewer will be watching for more.Shelley Glodowski Reviewer

Wow! If you are from WA State or have lived there, this mystery book is for you! As I read this book I felt as if I were at these WA locations. I could totally relate to the area. In addition, the author has a great range in her characters. You will follow Spence (among other characters) on his journey and emotionally relate to him. This book is a very up-to-date mystery. It is set in the here and now and has a touch of Hollywood! It is apparent that the author did her research on not only the locations but the forensics and legal aspects of the story. This book is an easy read but will keep you interested throughout. I highly suggest that you read this book. I can hardly wait for the next book by this author to come out! (Does she have others??)

These pages turn. With an authentic Seattle setting, real-people characters, snappy dialogue, and suspense to burn, DEADLY REVENGE keeps the reader on the hook until the last unexpected twist has played out. Detective Spencer K. (for Klondike) Dawson and his widowed father make as sympathetic a pair of heroes as one could wish for.

Mary Cunningham whips this suspenseful thriller laced with chills, twists and turns into a mystery that grabs the reader by the proverbial throat! The mystery builds in momentum right up to the shocker ending. The fast-paced tale is driven by well-defined characters, sharp dialogue, and a well-developed plot. I was captivated by this story which kept me awake, attentive and on edge from beginning to end. I highly recommend the reading of this book to anyone who enjoys thrilling mysteries!!

The author takes you right to each scene - and the characters quickly come alive. From my experience in law enforcement - the author has accurately conveyed the unfolding of a curious crime. Looking forward to more of this author's writing.