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A review of The Prettiest Feathers

by John Philpin, Patricia Sierra

A tale of horror, of a madman finally shown for what he is, a serial killer, by a woman detective, working with her father, a famous profiler.

Reviewed by: Lynne Quido
About Lynne Quido

The Prettiest Feathers Not since the books of Thomas Harris ("Red Dragon", "Silence of the Lambs") has the world gotten this good a glimpse into the depraved thoughts and patterns of a brilliant sociopath turned serial killer. John Philpin's first novel comes from the depths of what he has learned from his career as a forensic pathologist (shades of CSI, long before the series was conceived!). Teaming up with investigator Patricia Sierra for this story as well as the sequel ("Tunnel of Night"), Philpin gives us a shocking and terrifying mystery tour from five different points of view. In limited printing, Philpin's novel did not create much of a "splash" until recently.

Whether from the voice of the killer, a victim, or those who investigate the crime, Philpin's narrarator rings true and his characterization and dialogue are clear and believable. A difficult love affair between two of the cops and the introduction to one of the most intriguing profilers you'll meet in prose (Lucas Frank, father of detective Lane Frank), thickens the plot. Lucas faces what many of the successful profilers face: the ability to see inside the soul of a killer. In predicting the killer's thoughts, movements and motivation, Lucas is forced to come to terms with himself. What had once been intellectual stimulation is now an obsession that has taken over his life and ruined his marriage. He continues to be disturbed by the combination of fear, rage, and self-loathing he's brought upon himself with his choice of vocation, and his "gift".

Much of the story is told not through the eyes, but through the personal effects and writings of Sarah, willing victim of Wolf, the stalker. Perhaps that is what makes the book so chilling. Of Sarah, Wolf writes:

"Some of us mate for life. Some of us mate for death. You and I are the latter."

Would Wolf have ever been exposed if he didn't wish to be? Find out by reading (perhaps in a brightly lit room!), "The Prettiest Feathers".

Click here to buy this book, or read more about it at Amazon.com: The Prettiest Feathers

Copyright © by Lynne Quido, 2003

Reviewed by Lynne Quido:
-- The Whore's Child: And Other Stories - by Richard Russo
-- The Murder Book - by Jonathan Kellerman
-- Tuesdays with Morrie - by Mitch Albom
-- Girls' Poker Night - by Jill A. Davis
-- Dead Midnight - by Marcia Muller
-- The Jesus Thief - by J. R. Lankford
-- The Prettiest Feathers - by John Philpin, Patricia Sierra
-- Wherever You Go, There You Are - by Jon Kabat-Zinn
-- Demolition Angel - by Robert Crais
-- The Eight - by Katherine Neville
-- Mystic Rivert - by Dennis Lehane









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