Legally Dead

Edna has set the standard for excellence in literature. Another great book that keeps the reader spellbound. I have a special section for Buchanan in my library. D. H. Clair www.dahrisclair.com The House on Slocum Road

As someone who follows Edna Buchanan's works, I was pleased with this latest addition. Michael Venturi and his trusty pal Danny Sanchez along with canine pal Scout and mother-in-law Victoria are great characters. Because of the ending I doubt we'll be seeing them again soon, but I would gladly revisit their world -- as long as it's Edna writing it.

Ms Buchanan has once again created a universe that grips the reader from the beginning until the explosive ending. Buchanan has brought us into a world that most of us will never inhabit--special ops guys, new identities, exotic locales. Here's hoping she can use her imagination to use this as a basis for a series as enjoyable as the Cold Case Squad and the Britt Montero series. Pauline Winick

U.S. Marshal Michael Venturi oversees aspects of the Federal Witness Protection Program. He knows some of his patrons are monsters, but evidence surfaces that one of his clients, mobster Gino Salvi is sexually attacking young girls before he kills them in Flemington, New Hampshire. When Salvi participates in an armored car robbery, Venturi is fired for not watching the gangster closer. Venturi, accompanied by an old dog, head to Florida to open up an agency that stages phony deaths and new identities. Business is booming as many people seek a LEGALLY DEAD solution to their woes. While Britt Montero takes a well deserved breather, Edna Buchanan provides a delightful opening act of what looks like will be a wonderful unique series. The clients are a variety of folks with differing motives to employ Michael's services; they make the tale and his profession seem genuine as not all of them have dire straits to escape from. Venturi proves capable of holding the exciting refreshing story line together. Readers will relish how the clever lead protagonist turns the trick of changing his customers from the living to the LEGALLY DEAD in a fun suspense filled thriller. Harriet Klausner

I love all of Edna Buchanan's books, especially the ones featuring Britt Montero, the Florida crime reporter...so, I ordered the book in advance without even reading what it was about. When I got the book and started reading it, I was a little concerned as it had nothing to do with Britt Montero. Well, I couldn't put this book down! I stayed up until 4 a.m. to finish it! The only thing I can compare this novel to is the TV show In Plain Sight and the Jane Whitefield character in the Thomas Perry novels, although the main character in this book is a male. I thought the book was fast paced and I liked and rooted for the characters. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to her next effort. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good mystery/action adventure that could even make it to the big screen!