Wednesday, June 20, 2012

212 A Novel by Alafair Burke


Tanya Abbott is a witness to a shooting. Detectives Ellie Hatcher and J.J. Rogan are asked to investigate. New York City is the venue and it’s described in much detail with its smells and sounds. There’s an escort service with unique clientele that includes a Judge and a high financier by the name of Sparks. The story slowly unfolds with everyone looking for Tanya the mystery woman who knows too much. Bodies are beginning to drop and Detective Hatcher is convinced Sparks is behind these murders. Ellie has a personal interest in this case.
Heather’s roommate Megan is brutally murdered and Detective Hatcher suspects Heather. After all, who else would have known the roommates personal life? Heathers’ life was detailed in a website for college students. And the details became graphic and threatened death. Megan’s parents sought help by the local police but there was nothing they could do; the postings were anonymous and the IP address untraceable. The police told them that this happens all the time but nothing serious really happens. The parents are not convinced and feared for their daughters life. But it arrives too late. Megan is murdered and Heather was attacked by the same killer. Or was she? Could she have committed the murder herself? Detective Hatcher soon finds out who Heather really is but now she too has gone missing.
Katie is a real estate agent who had a successful real estate agency. But since the  real estate market has spiraled down she finds herself in a predicament like everyone else in that type of business she needs to make money. Katie had become accustomed to her lifestyle, and her mother was in a nursing home. Expenses are very high! Escort service why not money is good and her clientele are prestigious business men or politicians. But now Katie is murdered and Detective Hatcher wants to know why.
Robert Robo Mancini, Sparks bodyguard is murdered at Sparks’ Penthouse suite at 212 Lafayette in Manhattan. Detective Hatcher questions Sam Sparks and has him handcuffed for contaminating a crime scene. However, when Detective Hatcher appears in front of Judge Bandon she is thrown in jail for contempt. How is Judge Bandon tied to this case and what is his interest in Sam Sparks?
Judge Bandon wants a Federal Judicial position. He has worked hard to get there and is determined that nothing is going to get in his way not even Detective Ellie Hatcher!
Sam Sparks is a real estate billionaire. He has connections in high places and is not going to allow a detective to spoil his plans.
Detectives Ellie Hatcher and J.J. Rogan are trying to put all these pieces together. Time is running out for Tanya Abbott. New York City is a big place and lots of places to hide. The Detectives find themselves running around New York City looking for answers. Even their boss Lieutenant Robin Tucker has come under their scrutiny.
Author Alafair Burke brings to light interesting subjects. The Craig Lists murder, a recent political scandal in New York City, and the websites that are used to harass college students.

Note: This is my first book from this author, though I found it somewhat lengthy with details it is a good mystery with twists and turns.

212 A Novel by Alafair Burke

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