What do
fiction crime writers do when their protagonist’s age? In Jonathan Kellerman’s case, he team writes
with his son, Jesse and introduces a new twenty something protagonist, Clay
Edison. Clay is a former UC Berkley
basketball player whose sports career is cut short by a knee blowout. But Clay has found a challenging career as
deputy coroner in Alameda County, California. In this role, Clay makes the call over each
newly discovered body: death result of natural causes or foul play. Sometimes circumstances are not clear cut and
further investigation is warranted.
When Walter
Rennert, a reclusive former psychology professor is found dead at the bottom of
the stairs in his house, his drinking and bad heart appear to have caused his
demise. But Rennert’s attractive
daughter, Tatiana thinks he was murdered and convinces Clay to dig deeper. He learns that the good professor’s former
grad assistant died in a similar manner.
Further, Rennert was ostracized for his role in some ethically
questionable psychological research at UC Berkley. Was there something to hide? Did Professor
Rennert know too much? Who would benefit from his death? Clay needs answers and the alluring Tatiana
keeps him interested.
The elder
Kellerman’s presence was clear with the familiar pacing and anticipation present throughout. However, I have a major
problem with the plot. I didn’t realize
that coroners had the responsibility of investigating suspicious deaths to the
degree our hero does. I thought the
coroner reported evidence regarding cause of death and the police were
responsible for finding the murderer.
Apparently our protagonist takes his job more serious than most but his tenacity
triggered some thoughts of implausibility for me. That’s never good. I’m still a devout Jonathan
Kellerman fan but I’m not sold on Clay Edison as the featured character of a
new series.
Thanks to
NetGalley for the advanced look.
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