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The Motive
Dismus Hardy/Abe Glitsky series

By John Lescroart

     My favorite fictional characters, Dismas Hardy and Abe Glitsky are back in this exciting addition to the series. A case of arson involving a murder/suicide turns out to be a double homicide and gets this complex novel off to a racing start. The victims turn out to be a wealthy socialite with political connections, and his fiancee. Mayor Kathy West is deeply concerned about the murder and asks Glitsky to conduct a parallel investigation of the case to ensure that it is solved as quickly and flawlessly as possible. He's pretty sure that's unethical, since he is no longer in the Homicide division, and he's concerned about the Mayor's possible motives...but he really can't refuse her request. The victim was Mayor West's friend and a large campaign contributor.

     Homicide detective, Dan Cuneo, is still suspicious of a Glitsky/Hardy suspected involvement in a previous case where several police officers were killed (The First Law), and resents the intrusion of Glitsky investigating this case. It is certainly a breach of normal protocol, and the two men are distrustful of one other.

     When Hardy decides to represent his former lover and friend, Catherine Hanover, the main suspect of both Glitzky and Cuneo, it threatens his friendship with Abe, and has serious political ramifications.

     Lescroart's complex characters age as the series proceeds; their kids grow up, spouses die and close friends get murdered. Some cops are heroes, some are villains and Cuneo has his own agenda. They become your friends and enemies; the intricate plot keeps you guessing.

     Plan on enough time to finish this book, because it is impossible to put down. Lescroart provides enough background in this novel to be an exciting standalone read, but I recommend that you read the emotional The First Law, just so you don't miss any of the great story that emerges from the two books...intense stuff.

The Book

Dutton / Penguin Putnam
December 16, 2004
Hardcover
0525948449
Mystery / Suspense
More at Amazon.com 

Excerpt

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The Reviewer

Beverly J. Rowe
Reviewed 2005
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© 2005 MyShelf.com