MALICE is Lisa Jackson at his best

For those who are new to writing Lisa Jackson, Rick Bentz's name means nothing, but to fans of Ms. Jackson, the reader knows that they're in for a treat as the great detective in New Orleans is also evil. In this new mystery Jackson, readers are swept away with the characters well developed, perfect narrative elements, and an environment that quite literally transports there. All these wonderful pieces come together so that it is almost impossible to put this book down once to start.

Rick Bentz is back as the talent, but also the vulnerable man who is still haunted by his first wife died after Bentz filed for divorce. Meanwhile, Rick is still suffering from an injury he sustained at the end of LOST SOULS Jackson. While in the hospital after the accident, wakes up after Bentz, smelling the perfume that his wife wore gardenia scented, to see her, Jennifer, there. She blows a kiss, but as soon as she arrived, she disappears. Bentz shakes. There could be like Jennifer died twelve years ago!

At the time of discharge, however, Bentz Jennifer continues to see a little 'everywhere. He began to ask themselves, how will the reader, who may still be alive? He identified the wrong body after the horrific car accident? No, he thinks to himself as he shakes his head, that she was driving that car! Because she had the same clothes, the wedding ring, but now begins to doubt himself. Bentz wants to tell his wife, Olivia, of this, but she realizes that he is out of his mind. What I do not know is that Olivia is also hiding a secret from him. Readers are swept away in a state of mind Rick Bentz and begin to wonder if it is indeed suffering from some mental disorder.

Things get worse when a copy of Jennifer's death certificate arrives and has a red question mark written on it. The death certificate has a postmark of Los Angeles, and so Rick Bentz has its own way. Rick did not leave Los Angeles on good terms with everyone and it's hard to go back. Returning to Los Angeles, Rick is playing into the hands of a serial killer set to make Rick look like the culprit. This demon patient waited, knowing that Bentz would then take the bait and when he does, he hooks Bentz, while Jackson engages the reader.

The Twenty-One Killer was the last unsolved case of Rick before leaving Los Angeles and he looks up to his old tricks again when he gets Rick. Photo of someone in Los Angeles that looks like Jennifer is sent to Rick and that also adds to the confusion you feel. The serial killer, Jennifer-dead or alive? ... And what nobody knows is that his current wife Olivia is the next goal of this madman. The Twenty-One Killer, as he was called, has the morbid character of strangling identical twins to their 21 th birthday by offering his "nickname". At this point not only Rick Bentz and everyone around him wonder if he's crazy, but so will the reader.

As the story goes into detail sordid, tragic and sad past Rick, it seems natural that I just can not get a break. The main plot is well done and includes various events. Jackson uses multiple viewpoints to tell the story as the characters and that adds to the realism that makes you feel like you are in the midst of this deadly mess. There are some tough spots where it is difficult to follow, but all contribute to the reader trying to understand the mystery. The final will be a shock to the reader and Bentz. The Jackson fans will like the book. It 'my favorite of her? I do not think so, but it's still a mad rush and fun reading!

Originally Posted Curled up with a good book by Karen Haney, April, 2009 ......