Flight

This book is a must for all mystery writers--and Jan Burke is in top form. The story is compelling, the writing tight and the characters jump off the page. It's a quick read and a completely satisfying one too. I like that Burke is looking through the eyes of Irene Kelly's husband, Frank, which offers a fresh perspective. I'd write more, but I don't want to give too much away (the back of the book gives a pretty good description), but it will definately make you go and read Burke's Backlist.

Jan Burke's superior prose, intricate plotting and oh-so-human heroine Irene Kelly, have carried us through her other books, including her romance with and marriage to police detective fRank Harriman, a minor character throughout them. But here Burke turns things around, focusing on Harriman with Irene merely an anjunct in a story which starts slowly but catches your attention and never lets it go. The skeleton of Philip Lefebvre, 10 years gone and in disgrace with his fellow police for supposedly killing a youthful witness for money, is found in his wrecked plane and it's Harriman's case. He quickly decides Lefebvre is innocent, and just as quickly earns the animosity of all his fellow police officers, including his superiors. It isn't any easier for Harriman when he concludes it is someone inside the police circle who must be the true murderer. In the end, he finds the mastermind, givng a boy back his name and, in an ironic twist, setting in motion the freeing of many bad guys in jail. It's a great read, but please bring back Irene, Ms. Burke.

I have read ALL of the novels by Jan Burke, and thought her last book, BONES, was the best until I read THIS one. I think switching the focus to Irene's husband Frank was timely, and I have very much enjoyed getting to know that character better, and seeing Irene and her quirks through his eyes. The reader becomes involved in the plot right away. There are twists and turns, but the book never stalls.......what more could a reader want? Read this one, for sure.

Jan has brought so much more than mystery to this novel. Its extremely well written with layers of intrigue and sub plots throughout. Reading from the perspective of Frank was a nice deviation from her previous novels but it will be nice to catch up with Irene again. This whole series is thoroughly enjoyable. Good on you Jan.

Trent Randolph and his two children went sailing when a pirate suddenly appeared and killed the father and his daughter, but only wounded the son. Phillip Lefebvre comes on board and rescues the lad, who bonds with his savior. At that time, the police believe they finally have the goods on a local crime boss. The department and Phillip agree until Seth hears a do- rei-me of a watch that terorizes the youngster. Lefebvre rethinks the case and illegally takes evidence out of the precinct. He goes flying, but his plane crashes leaving everyone to believe that he killed Seth and absconded with the evidence before vanishing.Ten years later, the plane is found and the case reopened with Detective Frank Harriman in charge. He does a paradigm shift assuming Lefebvre is innocent. His efforts bring him to the attention of someone who prefers the cop dead than having the law enforcement official learn the truth of what happened over a decade ago.There have been seven previous books in this series starring Irene Kelly, but this one is different as she plays a minor role and Frank tells the narrative. FLIGHT takes some adjustments for those familiar with Jan Burke's works, but once the reader adapts, the novel gracefully soars. The tale is loaded with suspense, red herrings, and false leads that turn this who-done-it into a powerful reading experience while Ms. Burke deserves kudos for successfully trying something different.Harriet Klausner