"Heart
of Ice" by P.J. Parrish (Pocket Books, $7.99) is easily one of
the best crime novels of the year.
It's the tenth
paperback book in the popular series starring Louis Kincaid, a former
Michigan cop who's now working as a private investigator in Florida.
He comes back
to Michigan to bond with Lily, his 10-year-old daughter, whose existence
he only recently discovered. He also plans on re-uniting with his girlfriend
Joe Frye, now the sheriff of a northern Michigan town.
Kincaid and
Lily go to picturesque Mackinac Island and rent bicycles; Lily takes
off ahead and discovers a long-deserted hunting lodge. Exploring it,
she falls through the weakened floorboards, landing on a pile of bones.
Kincaid rescues
her, believes the bones are human and calls the local police to notify
them of them grim discovery. The Police Chief arrives and takes over
the case; soon an experienced, frustrated State Police investigator
joins them.
They believe
that the bones may be those of young Julie Chapman, daughter of a wealthy
industrialist, who went missing in 1969.
The situation
gets a lot more complicated; Kincaid is asked to help in the puzzling
case. His investigation only raises more questions, exploring many dark
island and family secrets.
Even the Lansing
State Journal is involved, initially breaking the story about
the discovery of bones on the island.
Strong characters abound, with clues coming from unexpected sources.
Most of the novel is set in 1990; Kincaid and others face many unique
challenges as tensions escalate.
Emotions flare as more intriguing, unnerving discoveries are made;
Parrish deftly maintains the pace throughout this highly entertaining
mystery. There are many unexpected plot twists and surprises, including
a memorable, jaw-dropping conclusion.
Readers familiar with the Kincaid's earlier appearances in this exceptional,
award-winning series will have a better understanding of background
and his stressful emotional relationship with Frye.
P.J. Parrish is the pseudonym of two sisters who were born and raised
in Detroit.
Kristy Montee graduated from Eastern Michigan University and worked
as a journalist for 25 years. She lives in Ft. Lauderdale FL, while
her sister, Kelly Nichols resides in Elk Rapids MI. Kelly attended Northern
Michigan University and worked in the gaming industry in a Native American
casino.
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop,
has reviewed
crime novels and Michigan books since 1987.
Want to read this book?
Get your copy at Curious, a locally-owned independent business!
Get your copy at Curious, a locally-owned independent business!
307 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing
517.332.0112
curiousbooks@gmail.com
This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on Sunday, March 3, 2013.
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