Wednesday, October 28, 2015

"The Last Good Place" by Robin Burcell

                                                      

 "Casey grabbed his radio then bolted from the car, not even bothering to shut the door. He ran out of the garage onto Bush Street, then turned left toward the bridge, hearing nothing but the whoosh of the cars below as they emerged from the tunnel. Casey's mind raced, Everything he knew about the Strangler was that he'd never strike out here in the open. The stair's he thought. Twin staircases led from the end of the tunnel on both sides of Stockton Street on up to Bush. The perfect place to assault someone. Or kill someone..... "

Books written by Carolyn Weston were the basis for the television show "The Streets of San Francisco." This author has continued the tradition with this book, "The Last Good Place." Based on Carolyn Weston's characters, Sgt. Al Krug and his partner Casey Kellog. Since the original series took place in the 70's this author chose to update the characters and situations to make them more timely.  

Kellog and Krug are investigating what's known as the Landmark Strangler. Women being murdered and left near landmarks around the city. The latest victim, Trudy, works for a congressman who is up for reelection. Could politics be playing a role in the newest case or is this the work of the serial killer? They hope not, involving politicians in a murder investigation could make or break a police career.

When there is a violent incident at the scene of the latest victim they feel they may be on the verge of wrapping up the case. Then again maybe everything is not as it seems. Of course they are under pressure to come up with results yesterday. They also need to find away to make their styles mesh as they are both such different kind of detectives.  

As they go about their business they find that more than one person has been lying to them.  Every time they interview a witness they get a different story on their take on Trudy. Nothing adds up, from the time Trudy left her house to whom she may be involved with. Steady pace and good characters that feel familiar. Old cop, old ways up against young cop and technological thinking. Together they make a great team , when they aren't running opposite of each other that is.  

The twists were well written. Not what you'd see coming. I always appreciate that in a writer. The ability to surprise me. Can Kellog and Krug wrap this up, find a killer, or maybe more than one killer, and keep their jobs? You'll have to pick this one up and find out. 
  
It was fun and interesting to see the new take on the characters from the old television series. Something most likely you'll remember if you're over a certain age. This book is not dated though and even if you don't remember "The Streets of San Francisco" you will still enjoy this police procedural story.

"She wanted that to be her final thought. The trees behind her house. "The Last Good Place..."


Thank you to Netgalley and Brash Books for the ARC

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