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In this political season, what could be more appropriate than a murder mystery with an insider's look at the dirty tricks that go on inside a political campaign? This is the lively subject of award-winning author Ed Gorman’s new novel, SLEEPING DOGS. Unfortunately ,the jacket artwork rather conceals the subject. If readers can look past the cover, they will be in for a real treat. As a former political speech writer, Gorman has his pulse on the inner workings of a campaign headquarters, something most outsiders never witness during a political season. Gorman uses his background to good effect in presenting the murder mystery here. Unlike many thrillers, Gorman doesn’t need to rely on blood and gore to make his story interesting or to open up the world of dangers within a political campaign. There are plenty of lethal dirty tricks to preclude the usual shootouts and chases within a typical thriller. Instead, Gorman relies on solid storytelling with an infusion of the fascinating world of political operatives to get the blood racing, pushing readers on to the next page. SLEEPING DOGS focuses on Dev Conrad, the story's hero, who is called upon to investigate after his boss, Illinois Senator Warren Nichols, who collapses during a campaign debate, sending his candidacy into a tailspin. Not only is the other candidate’s campaign staff under suspicion, it seems that there may be traitors within Nichols's own staff. Complicating matters is Nichols's own personal behavior, which is making his campaign even more difficult for staff to keep under control. Not only has the senator's best friend just committed suicide (after he and the senator had a falling out), it turns out that Nichols has an eye for the ladies that will ultimately make him the victim of blackmail. While the story is solid, what really will draw readers into this mystery is the insider knowledge about the workings of a political campaign. It’s all here, the dirty tricks, the spin, the overworked staff, the human foibles that leave politicians open to manipulation, and surprisingly, even the wide-eyed optimism that sends people into politics in the first place, the desire to improve life and the country. While Gorman casts a cynical eye on the political process, he is also able to separate the individual failings from the political good. That makes this wonderful mystery something beyond the ordinary and well worth reading.
Reviewed by Christine Zibas, April 2008
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