Twisted

December 23, 2019
In a note at the start of this clever standalone from Cavanagh (the Eddie Flynn series), the pseudonymous J.T. LeBeau, a bestselling thriller author, warns readers not to “believe a single word you read.” Outside an L.A. theater where a memorial service is being held for LeBeau, Paul Cooper waits nervously, intent on shooting one of the mourners. Flash back four months. In Port Lonely on the East Coast, Maria, Paul’s wife, who has begun an affair with Daryl Oakes, a waiter at the Coopers’ country club, discovers a bank statement revealing that Paul has received $20 million from LeBeau Enterprises that he has concealed from her. Paul himself seems to be in hiding from a possible murderer. After Maria is brutally attacked and Paul disappears, local law-enforcement suspect Paul is involved in the attack and that Daryl also has a role; in any event, uncovering LeBeau’s identity is crucial to cracking the case. Fresh twists on identity and motivation make up for some overly familiar final revelations. Cavanagh fans won’t be disappointed, despite this not being his best. Agent: George Lucas, Inkwell Management.