Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Angels of Anguish
Amazon US TPB Amazon Canada TPB
Sherri L. Board
Class/Genre: Mystery Government Agency Police Procedural
Series: Katlin LaMar
Crime-Zone, Mar 1999, $11.95, 304 pp.
Trade Paperback
No one believes as fervently than Orange County, California Probation Officer Katlin La Mar that 'youth is wasted on the young". Unlike a decade ago, today's probation officers that work with the young carry weapons. The gang proliferation makes it unsafe to be without a gun. Even her godson Raphael became her legal ward due to drive-by murder of his mother and brother.
When someone kills her seven-year old charge, Katlin firmly believes one of her probationers committed the act and she intends to learn who did it and prove they performed the dastardly deed. To obtain information, Katlin performs questionable acts that lead to her suspension. When she is reinstated, she returns to her quest, utilizing the services of her lover, police lieutenant Blaine Stedman and his canine partner. However, the suspects seem so numerous that resolution seems impossible.
ANGELS OF ANGUISH is Sherri L. Board's debut novel and overall provides a strong message that gang violence like war serves only to provide business for the undertaker (just ask singer Edwin Starr). However, at times the story line is slowed down by a degree of preaching, which leaves to a choppy flow. Still no one will be bored with Ms. Board's novel that demonstrates her high degree of talent. Her insight into the gang culture is educational, and frighteningly realistic. Katlin is a compassionate character, who will gain much reader empathy following Raphael's murder. This novel is worth reading by those who want something a bit different.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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