Suspicion by Joseph Finder

Published by Dutton on May 27, 2014

Dan Goodman is a blocked writer who long ago spent the advance on a new book that has just been cancelled. A step away from financial ruin, Goodman can't pay his daughter's private school tuition, much less the cost of the class trip to Italy. His divorced wife (Abby's mother) died from cancer, Abby's step-father has no interest in her, and Goodman feels too guilty to deny Abby the only thing in months that has made her smile. When Tom Galvin, the wealthy father of Abby's new friend, offers to front the cost of the trip, Goodman grudgingly accepts. Later, he accepts a loan from Galvin to keep Abby in school. Soon after that, Goodman is told that he is a suspect in a federal drug investigation. He has accepted money from Galvin who (Goodman is told) is suspected by the DEA of managing money for a Mexican drug cartel. Goodman protests his innocence, but his pleas are meet with threats to lock him up for 30 years if he does not cooperate by getting the goods on Galvin.

A number of plot twists ensue after the premise is established. The twists are not entirely unexpected, which is a bit disappointing, but they are well executed. Unlike so many modern thriller writers, Joseph Finder tells a plausible story. Galvin and Goodman are both likable characters. Finder manages to make the reader root for both of them, even though they are often at odds and despite Goodman's less than admirable employment. If you're looking or villains to dislike, Finder provides plenty of ruthless characters to fill that role. One of them (the "angel of death") is a stereotype of sinister villains, although Finder does make an effort to make him an interesting killer.

Suspicion incorporates the usual tricks of suspense creation. Spying on Galvin, Goodman nearly gets caught, each time creating a new reason for Galvin to suspect him. The tricks are too predictable but, again, they are capably executed. Finder writes in a "reader friendly" style, using short chapters and maintaining a brisk pace. The resolution is a little too tidy but it is nonetheless satisfying. Finder knows his craft, and while Suspicion is simpler and less surprising than the thrillers upon which his reputation is based, it is enjoyable in many ways.

RECOMMENDED