The Rough Cut

December 1, 2020
In this stand-alone from the author of the Simon Fisk series, documentary filmmaker Riley Vasher takes both a personal and professional interest in the death of a local weather broadcaster. When the victim's boyfriend, Ethan, is arrested for the murder, Riley (who knew the victim) sees an opportunity to make a name for herself by following Ethan through the trial. But Riley has no idea what she's in for. Corleone is an excellent plotter; as fans of the Simon Fisk novels know, he can lead the reader in one direction and, then, without warning, make a right-angle turn that heightens tension and draws the audience further into the story. He does again here, which is particularly useful, as the basic premise is quite familiar. It's what the author does with that premise, however, as well as the story's very satisfying payoff, that makes the book feel fresh. Another winner from an accomplished mystery writer.

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