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Pepper Keane is a former Marine and former lawyer-turned private investigator. While his practice is small and the money is not great, he is happy with his current profession. In addition, his previous professions taught him a lot of information on how to investigate people and their backgrounds. Professor Jan Smyers wants him to investigate the recent deaths of several of her colleagues. Smyers is a math professor with a specialty in fractal geometry. This is not a large field nor is it incredibly popular. When three of her fellow professors die in unusual circumstances, Smyers feels that some form of conspiracy is at hand. She has already taken her concerns to the FBI, but they could find no connection to their deaths. Smyers is unwilling and unable to believe this so she turns to Keane. Keane is not excited by this case since the professors worked at different universities and the FBI has already investigated the deaths. However, he does find Smyers attractive and agrees to make a preliminary investigation. Keane quickly realizes that the FBI did not do a thorough job and that someone is targeting math professors. He must use all of his resources and contacts in order to catch a killer. THE FRACTAL MURDERS takes a subject most people disliked at school - MATH - and uses it as the basis for a murder mystery. While it was not Cohen's intention, part of me enjoyed a stalker targeting math professors. After all who has not had a problem with a professor? Cohen's explanation of fractal geometry and its use in everyday society is both informative and brief. He manages to convey a confusing subject, especially when put into practice, in a precise straightforward manner. This is commendable. Pepper Keane is an unusual character. He has two dogs that he adores and will protect them from anyone. He had one love of his life and she died almost 20 years before; hence, his constant obsession is a little bit unhealthy. Cohen tries to make Keane out as self-depreciating, which when done successfully is slightly sarcastic, witty and empathetic, but does not succeed. At times, Keane is more pathetic than humorous. Part of this strikes me as being due to either over-editing or over-thinking. Rather than letting his observations flow, they seem forced. This should correct itself in future books. When Keane is not dealing with his own personal problems, he is a very competent detective and knows how to get the results necessary. Professionally, Keane is all one can ask for in a detective. THE FRACTAL MURDERS is Mark Cohen's first novel.
Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, March 2004
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