From Publishers Weekly
Despite an extraneous introductory chapter and patches of strained description, this third mystery featuring Cape Cod PI Aristotle "Soc" Socarides sustains reader interest, thanks to the likable Soc and a snappy pace. Hired by an investment firm, Soc goes undercover at Oceanus, a marine theme park, to find out if killer whale Rocky did in fact slaughter its trainer, Eddy Byron. Soc's answer will help a Japanese conglomerate decide if it wants to buy Oceanus. Intrigued by the question of whether the whale, with its social tendencies, could kill humans, Soc takes the case and immediately runs up against the Sentinels of the Sea, a group picketing Oceanus, which they call a "whale jail." Soc hopes to learn more about Rocky from the mammal's previous trainer and from the former Oceanus public relations director, who was fired for not keeping the lid on Eddy's death. When Soc discovers the PR man has been murdered, Rocky's guilt doesn't seem so likely. Steering a clear course through the murky waters of animal rights and marine parks, Soc lands firmly on the shores of entertainment.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
Amiable if overlong hardcover introduction to Aristotle ``Soc'' Socarides, a Cape Cod fisherman/sleuth of Greek heritage. Soc is hired to work undercover at the Oceanus Aquatic Park. His mission? To prove that Rocky, the killer whale, didn't intentionally kill his sadistic trainer Eddie Byron. Matters escalate when: the fired p.r. director of Oceanus is also killed; Soc is attacked in the shark tank; an environmentalist group with a penchant for terrorism not only pickets Oceanus but also infiltrates its staff; and Soc's budding romance with Sally, head dolphin-trainer, is threatened by a jealous co-worker. Plus: Dan Austin, the aquarium manager, is less than forthcoming about recent staff-replacements and a possible buyout by a group of Japanese businessmen. With the help of a Native American government spook, Soc uncovers all the aquarium's secrets--including the very fishy way it stocks its tanks. Much repetitive moralizing about ``whale jails,'' etc., and some data on training dolphins and whales, but nothing much new or compelling here. The relaxed, low-key narration is its best asset, making for an easy read. --
Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
