The Big Dig

Carlotta Carlyle Mystery

ISBN: 0-312-98969-5 Order from: Amazon.com

Reviewed by David on August 23, 2003

Genre: Mystery (Private Investigator)

Synopsis: Carlotta Carlyle, a former cop and an private investigator, is short on funds. Therefore, she eagerly accepts a new assignment: investigation of possible wrongdoings at the enormous Boston project call the Big Dig. She also take on a seemingly routine missing persons trace on the side.

For a while, the two jobs offer little excitement. However, a deadly accident starts things moving, and soon Carlotta has her fill of suspicious clues—on both jobs.

Full Review: The plot in this mystery is an entertaining one, with only one whopping coincidence. Everything proceeds in a logical fashion, with both the pace and the tension accelerating through the book.

Carlotta herself is an attractive heroine, principled but human in her minor failings, intelligent but not clairvoyant. In other words, the reader proceeds at about the pace of Carlotta—always a good sign. There are several regulars making their appearance, but they play very minor roles. Most of the vital characters are new, many puzzling and sympathetic in their own right.

The book provides solid entertainment, with plenty of suspense and a feeling of satisfaction at the end.

Overall: 6.5; Plot: 6.5; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 5.5;

ISBN: 0-312-98969-5 Order from: Amazon.com