Blood Money

Jane Whitefield: 5

ISBN: 0-679-45304-0 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com

A fast-moving, tense, and at times touching mystery, this novel continues the series of the struggle of good against evil with likeable characters and a moral story interleaved with a healthy amount of adventure.

Reviewed by David on April 02, 2000

Genre: Mystery (Suspense, Amerind)

Synopsis: Jane McKinnon was once Jane Whitefield, a nearly legendary master of disguise and fast getaway who helped the victims disappear before their powerful enemies caught up with them. Now, that she is happily married to her best friend Carey McKinnon, it has been a long time since Jane has spirited away a battered wife or a small-time crook on the run from his associates. Her belief that she has left the dangerous, lonely and exciting hobby behind her is shattered when a teenage girl appeals to her for help.

It appears that a crucial cog in the Mafia's banking machine was killed, and the girl may have the only clue to the billions in laundered money.

Full Review: This is a new novel in the excellent series about Jane Whitefield, a Seneca woman who helps the "future murder victims" to escape their pursuers. Jane was introduced in Vanishing Act, and continued her adventures in Dance for the Dead, Shadow Woman and The Face Changers.

While introducing little new in this addition to the series, the novel keeps up the excitement, and the excellent characterization that made Jane, her husband, and many of her "clients" so likable. The bad guys—the old Mafia—are a bit flat. While portrayed with some skill, they appear more fumbling than their ominous power indicates. Nonetheless, there is plenty of danger in Jane's run from the ruthless and greedy opponents. This time, Jane, the runner, decides to strike a blow against her opponents, not without some trepidation.

As before, Perry makes a nearly superhuman hero, appear sympathetic and vulnerable. Jane's unshakeable sense of right and wrong, her courage and her intelligence is leavened with her apprehension, her recognition of the danger for her and her clients, and her love for her husband mixed with the fear for her marriage in the face of her duty to help the fugitives.

The book has a bit more musing on the choices in life, including the choice to be happy. Somewhat superficial in its financial details, the plot is detailed and solid in respect to the travel, and the breathless race between Jane and her murderous opponents.

For a touching, suspenseful, and morally satisfying tale, with little ambiguity and intelligent protagonists, this mystery is highly recommended.

Overall: 7; Plot: 6; Characters: 7.5; Style: 7; World-building: 5; Originality: 6;

ISBN: 0-679-45304-0 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com