Sunday, January 5, 2014

Ray's Reviews: The Last Dead Girl by Harry Dolan

Harry Dolan will be discussing writing and signing copies of his books 
on Saturday, January 11th at 2 pm at Schuler's Books, Meridian Mall, Okemos

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"The Last Dead Girl" by Harry Dolan (Amy Einhorn/Putnam, $26.95) is a highly entertaining, exceptional crime novel. 

Scheduled for release on Thursday, it's a prequel to his two earlier compelling mysteries set in Ann Arbor - his acclaimed debut novel "Bad Things Happen" and its fast-paced sequel, "Very Bad Men."

In those books the main character, going under the name David Loogan, has gotten a job editing "Gray Space," a crime fiction magazine.

Dolan's new book is set in 1998, in the town of Rome, New York. Loogan is living and operating a small building inspection business using his real name of David Malone.

After viewing a sudden car accident, Malone comes to the driver's aid, helping beautiful Jana Fletcher, a young law student.

The chance encounter turns into a fast romance, but both lovers have their own dark secrets.

When Fletcher is murdered, Malone becomes a prime suspect; he decides to investigate and makes unnerving discoveries.

Fletcher was living in a run-down apartment with few possessions and had a nasty bruise on her face. Malone is also hiding the truth and is trying to figure out what to do about an unsettling, life-changing situation.

Detective Frank Moretti is working the case and doesn't want Malone's assistance - there are many other complications and more suspicious murders.

Dolan again has created a strong cast of likable and despicable characters and a clever killer with his own agenda.

The author deftly shifts viewpoints as the plot develops, with numerous surprises and deadly situations.

Dolan is one of America's best new crime writers; if you haven't discovered him, you're in for a real treat!

Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop, 
has reviewed noir thrillers and crime novels since 1987.

Find this book and other great titles
at the Curious Book Shop, an independent 
book shop in East Lansing, founded in 1969.

Curious Book Shop
307 East Grand River Avenue
East Lansing, Michigan
517.332.0112

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on Sunday, January 5, 2014.

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