Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
The Answer Man
Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Roy Johansen
Class/Genre: Mystery High-Tech Espionage
Series: Ken Parker # 1
Bantam, Apr 1999, $23.95, 352 pp.
THE ANSWER MAN is a lie detector operator who administers the test and interprets the results. Ken Parker hates his job because he knows his findings can ruin lives. Being broke with high medical bills caused by his brother's illness leaves Ken with no choice, but to continue with his present job. When a defense attorney offers Ken $50,000 to teach her client how to cheat on the test, he accepts.
Vickers Industry accuses their former employee Ms. Saboni of embezzling $12 million from the firm. He swears he never took any money and Ken insures she "passes" the test. However, he only collects $10,000 and decides to collect the rest plus interest from the missing money. Ken soon finds himself in an avaricious world where one misstep could lead to death.
THE ANSWER MAN carefully scrutinizes corporate espionage and its impact on a wide range of individuals, which provides readers a lucid look into white-collar crime. The engaging Ken is a decent person, struggling between personal ethics and pending bankruptcy. The audience will want more appearances from this likable antihero.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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