Book Review: Act of Betrayal

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Act of Betrayal     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Shirley Kennett
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural   Woman Main Character   Psychological Suspense
Series: P. J. Gray # 4
Pinnacle, Jun 2000, $5.99, 349 pp.

In St. Louis, Cat waits for the arrival of Rick Schultz, just released from prison after serving time for selling illegal drugs to students. During his jail time, Rick received mail from Ginger Miller, promising him a good time upon his release. Now he comes to meet Ginger for the first time, but instead of the woman, Cat hits Rick and ties him up inside a tent containing cyanide.

A few days later, the police led by cybersleuth PJ Gray investigate Rick’s murder, which is personal because the victim is the son of Veteran Detective Leo Schultz. However, the next morning Leo’s car is involved in a vehicular homicide when his automobile is seen running down a 4-year-old child who was playing on the sidewalk. The police look for Leo, who has vanished. Leo knows he is in a game of cat and mouse with him being the rodent and only PJ on his side.

ACT OF BETRAYAL is a chilling police procedural that centers on revenge. The story line is taut as the action begins on page one and never eases up for a moment. PJ is an intriguing single mom who combines her psychology skills with her computer abilities into a new type of sleuth. Leo is superb, realizing his role in the game with his unknown opponent is to serve as a victim. Throw in some clever twists with a fresh, unique mystery and readers will call for more PJ stories soon from Morgan Avery.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner