Plot Twist

Karl Larkin is a veteran detective in the Springfield Police Department. He and his partner have been called to investigate the kidnapping of Julie Cromwell, wife of well-regarded plastic surgeon Lawrence Cromwell. As Larkin begins his inquiry, he makes the acquaintance of the Cromwell family. He quickly learns that this family’s unity is tenuous at best. The victim’s husband neglected to inform the authorities of his wife’s disappearance for a few days. Larkin and his partner are flummoxed by this, along with the infighting that threatens to stifle an adequate investigation.

The investigation takes a grim turn with the discovery of Julie Cromwell’s body. She had been shot multiple times. Larkin’s investigative burden has increased, but his wariness toward the Cromwell family only increases. However, this doesn’t apply to the victim’s daughter, Cassie. Larkin is quite taken with her, despite his suspicions over her possible involvement, as she has admitted her disdain for her late mother. As a possible relationship develops with Cassie, he may have thrown his own instincts out the window.

Larkin’s sharp detective skills have always been a source of admiration for his partner. Larkin is an intrepid investigator; he can gain the trust of a suspect and hold his own in any interrogation. But Larkin’s reckless relationship with a potential suspect threatens the case along with his partnership. Larkin is gifted in his profession but perfectly fallible in his humanity. Cassie is a perfect romantic foil for Larkin, as she is equally smart with more than a hint of mischievousness. Larkin’s partner, Cramer, is the student to Larkin’s teacher. He provides comic relief but possesses the potential to rise to Larkin’s ranks. The Cromwell case has the potential to tear everything asunder, careers and lives included.

Plot Twist is a rollicking mystery that will capture the reader’s interest from the outset until the very end. Author Donna Thompson has written a smart whodunit where the motive and suspects are never in short supply. The compelling nature of the case, including the background of the victim along with the anti-Waltons vibe provided by the family, provides for the bulk of the entertainment in the story. The pacing of the storyline proceeds at a brisk tempo, the dialogue crisp and the characters always engaging. Plot Twist possesses all the intangibles that make a great mystery endearing and have the reader champing at the bit for the author’s next effort. An exemplary effort.