Tim Green, American Outrage

American Outrage

Tim Green

Warner, Apr 2007, $24.99

ISBN: 044657743X

In New York City, American Outrage TV news reporter Jake Carlson mourns the loss of his wife Karen. However, their thirteen-year-old adopted son Sam is having more trouble with her death in many ways more than Jake is as the kid feels he does not belong anymore. Sam asks Jake to find his biological mother; reluctantly he agrees though he is not sure how successful he can be as they adopted him from a nebulous Albanian system.

Jake starts his search with the lawyer who finalized the adoption only to find the man committed suicide. He next goes to the Albanian agency only to learn they are no longer in the baby business; instead they are a travel agency. Still, though he makes little progress, Jake digs deeper for Sam's sake with his teen at his side. When the travel agency head is killed after a night with Jake, he knows he is getting close, but not sure what he has. He becomes tabloid news, Sam vanishes, and the Mafia and an unknown affluent adversary want Jake stopped.

This is an enjoyable thriller as Jake changes during the course of the quest. Whereas he initially gives his investigation lip service, he soon realizes how important it is. Adding interest to the fun tale is the reporter becomes the subject of his peers and gets a taste of his own medicine. Fans will enjoy this solid investigative tale.

Harriet Klausner