From Publishers Weekly
Shamus-winner Ure's deeply compelling and original protagonist falls just short of keeping her intricate second mystery afloat. Cadence Moran, a blind auto mechanic in Tucson, Ariz., has an uncanny ability to pinpoint engine problems by sound. Her skill soon becomes a key element in solving a series of gruesome murders. The tale of how Cadence was blinded is delicately revealed in tiny pieces, satisfying curiosity without slowing development. A complex but credible plot supported by adroit pacing keeps readers guessing through the first two-thirds of the novel, but Ure reveals the killers' identities while police are still chasing dead ends, destroying the tension. The clichéd, Hollywood-style action scenes at the very end stretch believability to the breaking point. When Ure (
Forcing Amaryllis) can develop conclusions that do justice to her meticulously drawn characters and settings, she'll be a force to be reckoned with.
(Jan.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
"Heart-stopping suspense that builds to a crescendo and well-defined characters make this a top-notch mystery. Readers looking for an author similar to the late Barbara Seranella will find this a sure bet. Highly recommended for all collections." Library Journal
"...alternates first-person and third-person narratives with unusual dexterity, is by turns an accomplished procedural, an acute study of a fiercely independent heroine and a nail-biting suspenser." - Kirkus, starred review
"Louise Ure is a tremendous new talent on the mystery scene. THE FAULT TREE showcases her skills at creating a riveting plot and characters you can really care about. I literally couldn’t put it down." --Marcia Muller, author of VANISHING POINT
"An original and gripping work, more proof--as if any was needed--that Louise Ure is an exciting new voice in the mystery field. And its nail-bitting suspense is balanced with a thoughtful, nuanced view of where blame truly begins. Cadence is an extraordinary character and Ure's ability to capture her world is nothing less than remarkable." --Laura Lippman, award-winning author of TO THE POWER OF THREE
"Louise Ure’s skillfully written second novel (after the Shamus Award-winning FORCING AMARYLLIS) is a suspenseful tour de force. It has everything a reader could want: Fascinating and brilliantly crafted characters, blistering pacing, and a story that keeps you in white-knuckle mode till the very end. THE FAULT TREE is another winner." --J.D. Rhoades, author of THE DEVIL’S RIGHT HAND, GOOD DAY IN HELL, and SAFE AND SOUND
"Ure is a writer of exquisite precision and incendiary talent. FAULT TREE is a knockout on all fronts: so rich in voice and suspense that I guarantee it will blow your doors off." --Cornelia Read, author of A FIELD OF DARKNESS
"Daring and powerful with a character so unique - you won't believe your eyes." --Elaine Flinn, Barry Award winning author of the Molly Doyle Mysteries
"A blind, female auto mechanic? Louise Ure pulls it off. THE FAULT TREE is a suspense-laden, page-turner that is also full of humanity. I recommend it to anyone looking for a fast and satisfying read." --Barbara Seranella, creator of the Munch Mancini Series
