Here, Carson and his partner, Harry Nautilus, investigate two recent murders in their newish, special unit the "Psychopathological and Sociopathlogical Investigation Team." (In typical cop humor one would guess, the cops have given the team's name a much shorter and very crude nickname--its in the first chapter). Carson is also a relatively new and young detective with the Mobile, Alabama police force.
Collectively, we found a lot in the novel to sing its praises. To start, one person noted how the "prologue" genuinely served as a prologue to foreshadow for the novel instead of being a short chapter one. The mystery story was deemed "fair to the reader" with appealing characters and compelling side stories of office politics. It was also mentioned that the issue of race lightly appeared but not in a major way. And I agree, although I think a prolonged discussion of office politics would lead to that issue.
The writing is good and clear although the narrative voice of Carson curiously seems to fade on occasions and you wonder who's speaking.
Also, the revelation of the Carson's quiet crime assistant (his institutionalized brother with somewhat psychic abilities) gives the novel a twisted edge I feel that makes it stand apart from other series.
Otherwise, Carson, himself has a huge "rebel" steak at work that struck a few of us as tiresome at times and a miraculous recovery from alcohol abuse for one character appeared too quick to be believed.
Overall, a good choice for the book club although not everyone wanted to keep reading books in the series.
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