Perfect victim by Jan Christensen
Paula Mitchell, a private detective, works for lawyer Geri Smithfield, her skills get her to take the case of Warren Wade, who on the surface would seem to have murdered his ex-girlfriend.
I was instantly pulled in, getting to know the quirks of the characters, what made them tick. Always an unknown motive lurking, feeling that something just wasn’t quite right about what happened.
When someone close to Paula gets hurt, it would appear they stumbled on to something they shouldn’t.
At times, the workings of Paula’s every day life can appear to be a bit mundane. However, it gives the reader an inkling to the personality.
As more is revealed about the case, so too is the complexities of Paula’s life. Certain facts are surprising, and give depth to Paula’s character.
I do feel the story moves quite slow, by page 94 I expected something more. The chapters are quite long, which could account for the slower moving plot.
With another death, and no clear idea who had motives, time is running out for Warren. And the guilty are closing in, trying to stop Paula at every turn, and at any cost.
The novel then gradually takes the reader rather tediously, through the preliminary court proceedings, going through every witness account. Gradually building to who had done it, and the conspiracy involved.
Some editing errors do occur, but doesn’t distract from the plot.
Although a decent plot line, I felt it lacked the suspense to be a good mystery. Too much of the story involves questioning and unravelling witnesses at their homes, and in court.
Although, there is a certain amount of good humour to lighten things up a bit.
Excitement builds as Paula gets closer to the truth, but also putting all their lives at danger.
The ending slightly predictable, and not overly dramatic. However, those that like a decent mystery, could still enjoy this side of things, and the main character being a private detective, gives a slightly different spin to the usual mystery.
3/5 stars
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