Book review: Switchblade, by Carsen Taite

switchbladeTaite, Carsen. Switchblade. [Luca Bennett Bounty Hunger series]. Bold Strokes Books. 2014. $16.95. 231p. PB. 978-1-62639-058-4.

The third book in this mystery series begins as Luca heads to the bondsman to get some more work to pay her bills. While rounding up the usual suspects, she finds herself with both a dog and a mystery involving corrupt cops, drugs, and a rookie who took the fall for what was obviously someone else’s fault. Luca must also decide if she wants to be friends or more-than-friends with her ex-girlfriend or the new woman on the scene. Between her love life and her working life, Luca has a lot on her plate.

Very much a typical mystery/private investigator story along the lines of Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series, this genre writing does not detract from the story. With a scruffy appearance, rundown apartment, and all her savings in a coffee can, the flawed, believable protagonist typifies the standard private investigator character. The mystery’s solution is fairly obvious from the beginning, but watching Luca struggle through the story and discover the answers on her own is enjoyable.

The compelling pace and suspenseful tone of this book will keep readers turning the pages to see if their suspicions are correct. This book would be a good addition to a public library’s mystery collection.

Reviewer: Jenni Frencham, Librarian
Cesar Chavez Middle School, Hayward (CA)

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