The Answer Man

I've been reading all of this year's Anthony and Shamus Award nominees, and "The Answer Man" is one of my most pleasant discoveries in the bunch. There's suspense, humor and clever plot twists, plus some very involving moments concerning a man's efforts to beat a polygraph. The characters were people I enjoyed spending time with, which is one of my main requirements for a good novel. Highly recommended!

I suppose that a cool, rational look at the plot "The Answer Man" would show that it all very, very unlikely -- but who reads suspense thrillers for cool, rational analysis? This is definitely a book that keeps you turning the pages and which provides plenty of surprises. Almost nobody does what you expect him or her to do, and a lesson quickly learned is to trust no one. In fact, any character in this book must live by the rule that a little paranoia is a good thing, and a lot of paranoia is even better.

Roy Johansen's "The Answer Man" is a story that grabs your attention and holds you captive until the very end! The characters are well thought-out and deveolped, with very interesting backgrounds. Just when you think you know where the plot will take you next, BAM!, Mr. Johansen takes you in a totally different direction! I love that in a story! I want to read more, especially about Hound Dog's interesting hobby. Maybe a sequel???

In his debut novel, "The Answer Man", Roy Johansen packs a double punch with very likeable characters and an intriguing, fast-paced story line. Set in Atlanta, the book offers Atlantans and non-Atlantans an interesting peek into the South's emerging international city. The anti-hero here is one Ken Parker. Down on his luck and drowning in debt, he is faced with the ethical dilemma of using his knowledge as a polygraph examiner to help a suspected embezzler,Burton Sabini, "beat the machine". Parker's participation lands him in the middle of mayhem, money, murder and Myth Daniels. The book has an intricate story line, engaging characters and for Native Atlantans, the "hometown" references add a very personal touch.A must read for all thriller fans!

THE ANSWER MAN is a lie detector operator who administers the test and interprets the results. Ken Parker hates his job because he knows his findings can ruin lives. Being broke with high medical bills caused by his brother's illness leaves Ken with no choice, but to continue with his present job. When a defense attorney offers Ken $50,000 to teach her client how to cheat on the test, he accepts. Vickers Industry accuses their former employee Ms. Saboni of embezzling $12 million from the firm. He swears he never took any money and Ken insures she "passes" the test. However, he only collects $10,000 and decides to collect the rest plus interest from the missing money. Ken soon finds himself in an avaricious world where one misstep could lead to death. THE ANSWER MAN carefully scrutinizes corporate espionage and its impact on a wide range of individuals, which provides readers a lucid look into white-collar crime. The engaging Ken is a decent person, struggling between personal ethics and pending bankruptcy. The audience will want more appearances from this likable antihero.Harriet Klausner