Shame: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: A new twist on serial murder mysteries
Review: Serial murders are a dime a dozen in mystery novels, but this is the first I've read which features the child of a serial murderer (as well as a writer covering the story). A gripping psychological suspense novel with interesting characters (especially the transsexual), plot twists, and fine dialogue. Russell's last book, Multiple Wounds, was a real departure from his comic novels. (Hotel Detective & The Fat Innkeeper are two of my all-time favorites). But Multiple Wounds was occasionally flawed by, in my mind, humor and "tourist" information -- Russell hails from the hospitality industry -- sandwiched in between deep psychoanalysis and mythological allusions. In Shame, he manages to integrate local color and occasional jokes without breaking the mood of the book.

Rating:
Summary: What if you were the son of Son of Sam?
Review: Shame,Alan Russell's sixth novel, presents an unusual premise. What would life be like if you were the son of a serial killer? Caleb Parker escapes from the Texas small town he has grown up in as soon as he can, and seeks a new, anonymous life in San Diego. What he has left behind is the torment of bullies, the sexual predation of a thrill seeking high school girl, and a decidely strange mother. What he discovers in a city of many transients and few natives is his own business, a marriage, and two children. Russell starts the book with a bang. Parker is called in for an "emergency" tree removal, only to stumble on a body, naked, the corspe marked in the same fashion as his notorious father, with the word "Shame". This starts a chain of events that draws in Maryelizabeth Line, a true crime writer and the only person to survive Shame (the father's criminal "nickname".) Line's remininscences are woven into the thread of the story. Russell can tell a story, and Shame is certainly his his fastest paced book. He does a fine job with the character of Caleb. A third major character, a drag queen, provides some humor, but also, surprisingly, some pathos. While the character of Gray Parker seems derivative at times, an amalgamation of Ted Bundy & Hannibal Lector, he is menacing and cunning. His "heir" seems less so. Russell has a fine ear for dialog. His characters are distinct. His sense of place is superb. He captures San Diego vividly, bringing to the 1990's the same sense of place of Wade Miller's post-World War II novels. My favorite Russell novel is still Multiple Wounds, but Shame is a fast-paced, enjoyable read. The original premise and the craftmanship with which is handled is enough to win a ringing endorsement.

Rating:
Summary: Really holds your attention!
Review: This book held my attention from the moment I picked it up. The topic was fascinating to me and it read like a real true crime book. I had never before given a thought to the children of criminals. But now I will think of them every time a murderer is sent to jail.

Rating:
Summary: A terrific book!
Review: This book held my attention from the moment I picked it up. The topic was fascinating to me and it read like a real true crime book. I had never before given a thought to the children of criminals. But now I will think of them every time a murderer is sent to jail.

Rating:
Summary: Really holds your attention!
Review: When I first got this book, I wasn't sure it was my kind of book, a little more exciting than I usually read, but knowing Alan's prowess for writing excellent books (I have them all autographed) I finally started it. Couldn't put it down, it definitely is spellbinding and if it can be better than Multiple Wounds, it must be good. I hope to read more of MaryElizabeth in his future books. Thanks again Alan.