Parting Shot
Jonathan Stone
Dunne, June 2006, $23.95
ISBN 031235410X

Webster County Sheriff William "Big Billy" Wyatt informs the media that fifty four years old Sheryl Behar is the latest victim of the sniper who as an equal opportunity killer who murders people. Gender, age, race or religion does not matter to the cold blooded serial killer. TV reporter Sam Stevens knows that he would rather be amidst the media feeding frenzy than at home where his marriage to Denise is numerous degrees beyond failing.

Depressed over his personal life and sickened by what he must cover in his professional life, Sam begins a series "Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer" based on interviews with an incarcerated convict Darryl Jenkins. As great-grandmother Estelle Saunders becomes the next victim, Sam learns more about sniping and serial killing. He begins to concoct a concept to gain his freedom from his marriage.

PARTING SHOT may be the most creative serial killer thriller since Lector first took a bite. The story line is filled with twists that readers will not anticipate, but once past the shock will conclude that Jonathan Stone is a clever writer until the next spin stuns the audience. This is a fantastic thriller that will keep readers guessing in one delightful sitting.

Harriet Klausner