[.ca] Revenge Of Innocents (ISBN 0758213034)

AUTHENTICITY AND AUTHORITY IN THIS STORY:
Nancy Taylor Rosenberg proved her writing chops with her first novel in 1993 and has continued to enthrall readers with such bestsellers as Sullivan's Law, First Offense, Abuse of Power, etc. With Revenge of Innocents, the fourth in her popular Sullivan series, she again uses her experience as a police and probation officer to bring both authenticity and authority to her story. Some of this authenticity is shocking as we read the opening chapter with its description of a young girl being savagely beaten. From the maniacal cruelty of that event we swiftly move to protagonist Carolyn Sullivan. For her, all is right with the world. She's engaged to be married in just a few weeks to Marcus, a wonderful man. Her two children are doing well, and she's at the top of her field professionally. A probation officer she is now division manager at the Ventura County, California government office. There is one small problem in her life - she's been so busy that she hasn't had much time to spend with her best friend, Veronica Campbell. Carolyn's almost too busy to notice the dark circles under her friend's eyes. She knows Veronica's 17-year-old daughter, Jude, has been a real problem and she's also aware that Veronica and her husband, Drew, have a rough time making ends meet. What she doesn't know is that Veronica will soon be shot, her body found in a motel bathtub. As if that is not shock enough when Carolyn returns to her office she is given an envelope with her name on it. The message inside is brief but terrifying: "I know your son goes to MIT. I know your daughter goes to Ventura High. I know you no longer live at the same house. I know Marcus, the man you are going to marry. Keep your nose out of this, or I will kill them all. Then I will kill you." This is obviously from someone who knows her and does not want her looking into Veronica's death. But, who and how can she keep those she loves safe? Of course, Carolyn is determined to find Veronica's murderer but as the investigation continues she is appalled to discover how little she really knew about her childhood friend. One more page turner from the prolific Rosenberg who vivifies her story with the day to day details of a criminal investigation and due processes of law. - Gail Cooke