Fall from Grace (Hardcover)

There's nothing here that hasn't been done better before (much better). It's unfortunate that the commercial success it seems to have enjoyed, appears to be from readers who have been overly influenced by the drek usually put out on television from whence the author hails. I had hoped the San Francisco locale would enhance the book, no such luck.

The plot is predictable. Successful lawyer (David) loses mentoring father-in-law in a 'plane crash and expresses his wish that his wandering wife would disappear to someone he meets on the subway (which in San Francisco doesn't go near where he lives). The police inspectors of the murder are (apparent series regulars) Jane and Kenny. They are as two dimensional as the rest of the cardboard characters in this "mystery". Jane is conveniently starved for affection and is ready to jump into bed with David, the main direct or indirect suspect. Her history with Kenny conflicts with her involvement with Dave and reaches screaming level. There is almost no professionalism manifested by the police. Just like in tv, all you have to do is figure who all the characters are, and eliminate them to figure out the villain. It was amazing Kenny let Jane go without any backup to meet the actual murderer. Kenny's driving should put him back walking a beat in the Castro where he could resensitize himself.

I've been privileged to go to the top of the South Tower of the Golden Gate Bridge (one of the few well written parts of the book), and I know that the security on the Bridge is not as lack as portrayed here. All electronics in the Tower are monitored in the Guard Station, and that includes the elevator used twice.

As a police procedural, as a mystery, as a love story, this lightweight book "Falls From (attempted) Grace".

The story then turns to San Francisco detective, Jane Candiotti, while investigating, the murder of David's wife, she falls in love with one of the main suspects, David himself!

I've read hundreds of mystery/suspense books over the years, and have never been so satisfied with a book before! The characters are so real, you feel like you know them. I couldn't wait to get home from work at the end of the day, just to be able to read. Every time I picked up the book I felt like I was visiting with old friends. After I finishing this one, I immediately started the sequel.

I can't recommend this book highly enough, you'll be totally entertained and shocked.

Jane Candiotti and her partner Kenny Marks, are very interesting and credible police detectives, with a history of their own. Jane finds herself falling in love with a man accused of murdering his rich wife because she was going to leave him. This all happens by the husband mouthing off to a stranger he meets on the train about how much he wishes his wife were dead. Aha, "Stranger on a Train" revisited.

From there on, the plot takes several twists, turns and pseudoclimaxes before its breathtaking finale.

Phillips creates a very "noirish" feel to this well-executed first novel, following it up with an exceptionally good book called "Blindsided." Read them both---they're excellent!