Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Blackbird Singing
Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Jay Amberg
Class/Genre: Mystery Thriller Psychological Suspense
Forge, Oct 1998, $23.95, 304 pp.
Everyone believes that Robert and Monique-Jones Walker have it all. He is the NBA's finest player and she is an internationally renowned news-anchor. They both love and adore their-nine year old daughter Tonya. However, the perfect world abruptly collapses when Tonya is abducted by an insane hacker.
It becomes apparent that this is no ordinary celebrity kidnapping. No ransom appears. Instead, E-mail notes, ugly faxes, and nasty pictures are sent to the media. Revenge for some apparent slight seems to be the motive. As the Walkers become more desperate by the minute, others see this as the international case that will bring them fame and fortune even if it costs the victim her life.
BLACKBIRD SINGING is a taut thriller that will either elate readers with its unending excitement or leave them feeling extremely nauseous. The story line is fast-paced and graphic, and genre rules are smashed in not so pleasant ways. This will definitely leave some of the audience (not just purists) upset, but actually adds to the overall demeanor of the tale. The characters are intriguing, but extremely sad, anxious, and tragic. Jay Amberg scribes a brilliant kidnapping who-done-it, but some individuals will have problems with the lack of relief from the unending madness of the culprit and the melancholy of the Walkers. A bit of comic or other relief from the constant downward spiral would have left everyone singing the praising of Mr. Amberg.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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