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On his first duty since he was shot and his partner killed, Sergeant Frank Leal knows that he is going to face problems. He is saddled with a boss who hates him, a partner who has never been on the streets, and a case that no one wants to see solved. But why? Miriam Walker was a well-known and well-liked judge and a staunch advocate against domestic violence. Who would have wanted to kill her? Re-opening the case of Miriam Walker brings all sorts of worms out of the can. It appears that even her husband does not want to see the case solved and then there is the effect the re-opening of this case might have on the re-election of the Sheriff. As Leal and his partner dig into what happened it is clear that his boss wants him to take a certain line but both he and his partner want to explore other avenues. As they battle to get to the truth Leal also has his burgeoning relationship with a prosecuting attorney to cope with as well. Will they manage to get to the bottom of this case or will it be the death of them? Michael A Black is certainly a writer who knows what he is talking about. A serving police officer himself, it is clear from the way that RANDOM VICTIM is written that he knows his stuff and he has incorporated all his knowledge into this excellent police procedural that leaves you wanting more. The familiarity and authenticity that he has brought to RANDOM VICTIM ensures that the reader on the one hand is not bogged down with too many details. But there is also enough to satisfy those who like inside knowledge of police work. There is also a fantastic cast of main characters whose intertwining relationships bring much to this well-written novel. Leal is a resolute person with his own sense of justice. It is interesting to see his thought processes and his determination to do what is right despite the hindrances that are placed in his way. It is a real joy to read a novel that has so many different nuances that chime well together. This is a fresh, snappy read that is as engrossing as it is well-written. The pace of RANDOM VICTIM is crisp and exhilarating and certainly leaves you wanting more. It is not often that you come across a police procedural that is so intense and that has that grittiness to them that makes you feel that you are only one step behind the characters. In this case, Michael A Black is spot on in this novel. I most certainly hope that we see more of these characters. This is a thrilling new start to what I am sure will become a series that will no doubt garner a legion of fans in due course.
Reviewed by Ayo Onatade, August 2008
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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