Alex Kava Whitewash

Whitewash

Alex Kava

Mira, Jun 2007, $24.95

ISBN: 0778324400

In Florida, research scientist Sabrina Galloway feels excited about working for EcoEnergy as the firm converts waste material into oil and bids on a $140 million military contract. However her euphoria about helping the environment ends when her supervisor Dr. Dwight Lansik vanishes. Although concerned she continues her work until she uncovers a "shut down" reactor is processing something that has nothing to do with making fuel out of garbage and could convert Florida and beyond into a wasteland.

Frightened because she fears Dwight was murdered, Sabrina flees with octogenarian Miss Sadie in the latter's car bought just after WW II. Seeking help while the police think she killed Dwight and the real culprit wants her silenced, she realizes that terrorists plan for a big bang for at an energy conference with the seeming "WHITEWASH" cooperation of a senator and EcoEnergy.

Leaving Maggie O'Dell, a much needed breather from serial killing profiling, Alex Kava provides a wonderful thriller that grips the audience once the heroine realizes she is a scientist in distress. The plausible story line is fast-paced and loaded with non-stop action, but what makes the cat and mouse chase fresh and entertaining is the support cast who bring humor to the overall serious tone. Ms. Kava is at her best with this one sitting Studebaker escape.

Harriet Klausner