ALICE IN JEOPARDY by Ed McBain
Ed McBain (aka Evan Hunter) is one of the best mystery writers America has ever produced. Each book he writes elevates his standing just a little bit higher, and he has been writing books for some time now. His latest, ALICE IN JEOPARDY, once again proves why the man is a master of what he does. There is no fancy writing, no unnecessary gimmicks; he just lays out strong characterizations and a solid plot.
Alice Glendenning is a real estate agent living in Florida. She is also a widow raising two children. He husband recently died in a boating accident. His insurance hasn't come through and she is worried about her mounting debts. In other words things are going badly for her. Then her children get kidnapped.
Someone knows she is supposed to get two hundred and fifty thousand dollars as a settlement from the insurance company, and that is the amount they demand in ransom. Alice is floored and afraid, but she knows she mustn't contact the police. If she does the kidnapper says she will kill the children.
But the police do come on board, as does the FBI. They seem to trip over each other trying to help. Alice is convinced they are all inept and is desperate to do something to get her kids back. That is when she starts relying on herself.
McBain brings in the little nuances to create a full portrait of the situation and the characters. There are extraneous situations that play into the total story and make the story richer, as well as fringe characters who add to the texture of the tale.
Reading a book like ALICE IN JEOPARDY is an exercise in reading for the pure enjoyment of the story. There are layers upon layers of entertainment in the book and each one is revealed as the story progresses.
ALICE IN JEOPARDY is suspenseful, sexy and funny in equal parts. Each of these elements is a jigsaw piece in solving the complete puzzle of the story. Each portion is essential and each part is perfectly done. As I said at the start, McBain is a master at relating these types of adventures.
ALICE IN JEOPARDY is published by Simon and Schuster. It contains 292 pages and sells for $25.00.