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In the third in Kelly Lange's series, news reporter Maxi Poole finds herself in an unpleasant situation. As star of the TV channel, she ought to be getting the best stories, but instead finds herself working the graveyard shift, the distinctly seamy shift. It is often a signal that a reporter is about to lose their job, but Maxi cannot believe that it is going to happen to her. She finds that there is more to the assignment that meets the eye, at the same time as trying to track down a missing boy. Kelly Lange is clearly a fan of the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' idea, as GRAVEYARD SHIFT is very much more of the same thing. However, the old adage stays true, as the story is another very pleasant and easy readable tale that is guaranteed to attract more fans. Maxi Poole is as perky and likeable as ever, despite the crushing schedule that she is forced to endure. Despite the sometimes dark nature of the novel (serial murder, for example), Lange is not afraid to introduce humour into the story and at times, some of Maxi's thoughts and comments will have you laughing out loud. Lange also succeeds with some of her other characters. Take, for example, Councilman Conrad Lightner. Lange writes several passages that we see from his point of view. At first, his self-delusion and possible madness does not seem entirely clear and the reader may wonder exactly what is going on. However, after we have seen Lightner a couple of times, it is clear that he is the only one who cannot see what he is really like. This is very reminiscent of the delusions that we see in many of Donald Westlake's characters in his Dortmunder novels. The plot may at times be unbelievable and suspension of disbelief is required here and there, but at the end of the day, Kelly Lange has written another adequate and enjoyable tale.
Reviewed by Luke Croll, April 2005
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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