Jonnie Jacobs, The Next Victim

The Next Victim

Jonnie Jacobs

Kensington, Feb 2007, $19.95

ISBN 0758208019

In San Francisco former District Attorney Kali O'Brien is horrified when she is informed that her brother John committed suicide after killing his ex-girlfriend and her housekeeper. Though they rarely talked, Kali mourns her brother's death and has problems believing John would kill two people.

In Tucson, Arizona Kali joins their other sibling Sabrina to bury their brother and to settle his estate. However, the two sisters are stunned to learn the estate is tied up in probate while a wrongful death civil suit has been brought against John. Kali and Sabrina seem even more stunned to learn their late sibling has been linked to the murder of a stripper and the disappearance of a teen runaway. Kali needs the truth so she begins an investigation into the activities of her deceased sibling though she fears what dark capers he did.

In her seventh refreshing tale, readers learn more about Kali's family through her investigation into her dead brother. The anticipation comes from wondering if John will be exonerated or guilty by his sister. Kali and Sabrina face a daunting task with the accusations that shred their family. Jonnie Jacobs provides a great character driven drama that shows why the O'Brien mysteries are some of the best today.

Harriet Klausner