Point Deception

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Summary: MULLER'S AMAZING FLEXIBILITY
Review: As a mystery author who juggles two protagonists (one for novels and one for short stories)with varying degrees of success, I am amazed at Marcia Muller's masterful flexibility. Sharon McCone is certainly her most famous lead. There are also some books with Elena Olivarez or Joanna Stark in the lead. Each series has its own tone and subject matter, perfectly appropriate for each series. In POINT DECEPTION, Marcia Muller has either written a magnificent stand-alone thriller or a solid debut of a new mystery series. POINT DECEPTION is basically a police procedural starring Deputy Sheriff Rhoda Swift. She is haunted by a mass murder dating from the start of her career and as the anniversary of that murder rolls around a New York writer named Guy Newberry shows up to write about the unsolved homicides. More deaths occur in time present, and Rho wants to solve all of the crimes. Rho Swift is a complex character. She carries this book, and she could carry a series. The plot is complicated yet believable, and Ms. Muller's writing is up to its usual highest standards. We have a terrific book here.

Rating:
Summary: A Tense, Edgy Thriller.....
Review: Soledad County Deputy Sheriff, Rhoda Swift, had only been on the job three weeks when she was called to the scene of the mass murders in Cascada Canyon. A terrifying, grisly scene with eight dead, two of them children, all shot. Mistakes were made, evidence was lost and the case was still unsolved. The town and townspeople of Signal Port had never been the same, circling in a downward spiral ever since that fateful night. Now, thirteen years later, on the anniversary of the murders, New York City true-crime writer, Guy Newberry, has shown up to research the massacre for a book he's planning to write about a "town in trouble". No one wants Guy bringing attention to what is left of their small town and the infamous event most feel is best forgotten and Signal Port closes ranks. But when the body of a young woman is found, washed up off Point Deception, and within days two other women go missing, the town hunkers down, full of fear and suspicion, afraid that their lurid history may be repeating itself..... Marcia Muller has written an intriguing mystery/thriller that's about to take you on a fast paced, roller coaster of a ride. The tight, compelling and intricate plot and vivid, riveting scenes are full of atmosphere and you can almost feel the damp, chilly fog and smell the ocean as you read. Her well drawn, interesting characters come alive on the page and Ms Muller's indepth knowledge of Northern California and her painstaking attention to detail add real credibility to the story. Add to that a stunning climax and very satisfying ending and you have the makings of a well written, superb thriller that should be at the top of every mystery fan's "must read" list. Marcia Muller never disappoints and she's not starting now!

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Summary: Marcia Muller's new heroine
Review: Thinking that I had one of the latest Sharon McCone mysteries, I happily took it home from the library, only to discover that this book is about an entirely new character, Rhoda Swift, a sheriff's deputy. In spite of my negative vibes I proceeded with the book and enjoyed it thoroughly. As always, Marcia Muller catches the essence of the California coast and she weaves a wonderful story into a beautiful background. Deputy Rhoda Swift has never gotten over the multiple murders which occurred in her territory 13 years previously, and old memories are dredged up when another murder occurs near the anniversary of the deaths. A writer named Guy Newberry comes to town with a plan to write about the murders,and he and Rhoda form a bond based on past hurts in their lives. Muller creates a nice blend of mystery and romance and leaves plenty of room for future installments in this series.

Rating:
Summary: Loved it!
Review: This book was hard to put down until I'd read the final page. Plenty of suspense & well-written prose. This is an author who is worthy of the praise she receives. Highly recommended!