Kisscut

Rating:
Summary: Fast Read
Review: I enjoyed this book tremendously. I first became aware of this author when I read A Thin Cold Fear. Didn't realized till then that it was one out of a series. I've since gone back and read them in order. I really enjoyed each book. While this story did have some disturbing subjects--incest,child pronography&abuse, etc.,--I knew that going in. The author did a great job of keeping the suspense going and the surprises coming. Can't say too much without giving them away though. I also have gotten into the relationship between Sara and her ex-husband cum boyfriend/lover Jeffrey, the sherriff. Each new installment is like a new episode of my favorite soap opera. I love how their relationship just won't die. I also love the interaction between Sara and her family. Nothing like being a doctor/coroner and still have your mother treat you like you're a teenager, and your dad calling you "baby". Personally, I'd buy the book all over again and will definitely re-read the series again later on. Can't wait for the next book!

Rating:
Summary: Confusing and not especially believable
Review: Kisscut is supposedly an examination of the child pornography business, but in the final analysis it does a poor job of that while straining believability at every turn.


How can it be that Sara Linton, pediatric physician and part-time town coroner, could not detect any signs of trauma among the several child victims of the pornography ring whom she had treated for many years. How does a thirteen year old girl have the wherewithal to confront a fellow teenager in a parking lot with a gun and resist the intimidating presence of Police Chief Jeffrey Tolliver drawing a bead on her at close range? How can it be that an incestuous relationship in a family resulting in a pregnancy can go unnoticed for six months? How can it be that a collection of low-lifes could be so skillful in escaping detection and avoiding authorities in their sordid business? And what would a pornography story be without the stereotypical moral man turning out to be a prime participant in exploiting children for gratification? And of course, the obligatory scene of veteran policemen gritting their teeth to keep from killing a child molester is present.


A secondary theme of Kisscut is the rehabilitation and deterioration of Detective Lena Adams. But without reading Blindsighted the reader is mostly in the dark as to the background of her mental state. The reader is left to wonder how a veteran policeman can extract so much valuable information one minute and be on the verge of a breakdown the next.


The story is not particularly well-constructed. The who and when of all of the abuse is confusing. It is not enough that Tolliver finds the house where pornography filming was occurring; no, a door is blown off of its hinges when it is opened. Pornographers are booby-trap experts?


Blindsighted was not without its troubles, but Kisscut is a step backwards. Perhaps the justification for reading the book is to maintain continuity in the author's four part series on Grant County.