Sullivan's Evidence

Rosenberg's latest thriller is a sure-fire winner. The third in a series featuring parole office Carolyn Sullivan, SULLIVAN'S EVIDENCE has our leading lady tracking down a violent rapist amid a number of new murders. As in previous books, the well-developed story is dramatic, detailed and full of terrifying suspense. Keep them coming, Nancy! Another blood-tingling book I read recently that involved a fearless mother working to find a rapist/murderer was DEATH ANGEL by Martha Powers - also a 5-star read.

This is the latest release in the Caryolyn Sullivan series(see also SULLIVAN'S JUSTICE and SULLIVAN'S LAW, both highly recommended.) and I am eagerly waiting the next installment. I won't repeat the plot here, but suffice it to say this is an excellent look at the criminal justice system (not suprisingly, it's not always pretty). The plotting is excellent and fast-paced. If you like this book, check out a new author I've recently discovered. I highly recommend Thirst by Dania Deschamps.

Eight years ago vicious and remorseless Carl Holden was found guilty of the rape of four women and murder of a thirtyish housewife; everyone knew he was guilty and based on the recommendation of parole officer Carolyn Sullivan he received forty four years. However, Ventura County, California forensic lab chief Robert Abernathy tampered with evidence in the Holden case and others; Holden is free on probation with Carolyn as his officer. New murders like those that fit Holden's M.O begin. Carolyn, a single mom of two teens, believes beyond a shadow of the doubt that this evil man walking the streets on a state technicality caused by a lazy bureaucratic moron is the killer; she plans to prove without a shadow of a doubt that is the case. However, a desire to do something does not prevent someone one, probably Holden, wanting in turn to destroy one of the key people who locked him away for eight years. To succeed her children make a fine first target. The third Sullivan legal-crime thriller (see SULLIVAN'S JUSTICE and SULLIVAN'S LAW) is a superb tale that provides readers with a deep look inside the California criminal justice system. The heroine is a terrific protagonist struggling with a case that is so personal, her mind cannot forget the images of the Anderson family, relatives of the housewife Holden killed while also battling as a single mom with teens. Carolyn's time is so tight that a fender bender with Marcus Wright seems right for a relationship but when. With fabulous forensic support (especially the bungling) and an incredible climax, Nancy Taylor Rosenberg writes a superb thriller that will make all the short mystery lists for top books of the year. Harriet Klausner