The Whispering Room-Amanda Stevens

The Whispering Room
Amanda Stevens
Mira, Mar 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 9780778326281

In New Orleans, homicide detective Evangeline Theroux leads the investigation into the death of attorney Paul Courtland; the victim died from snakebite. A quick search by the widowed mom of a baby uncovers that Courtland's brother also died from snakebite.

Looking at Courtland's recent clients leads Evangeline to wonder if drug dealer Sonny Betts, whom she believes killed her husband, might have reason to eliminate his lawyer though she finds no evidence that would matter in court. However, when she digs deeper, the brass removes her from the case. Evangeline wonders if the Feds pressured her superiors. True-crime writer Lena Saunders insists she has critical information, but refuses to speak to anyone except Evangeline as she trusts no cops even her chosen one; picked because of the spousal murder. Saunders explanation is over the top re the Lemay matriarch destroying evil by killing her sons; her daughters live to destroy evil, but a doubting Evangeline follows the way-out lead anyway.

THE WHISPERING ROOM is a fabulous New Orleans police procedural that will enhance Amanda Stevens as a top Bayou suspense writer (see THE DEVIL'S FOOTPRINT and DOLLMAKER). Evangeline is a wonderful character who feels guilt every time she looks at her infant she sees her late husband so she wants to stay away from her child. The story line is fast-paced, filled with action, and rising suspense until the terific twisting finish will have the audience anxiously waiting for the next uneasy Ms. Stevens’ New Orleans thriller.

Harriet Klausner