Book Review: The Pale Green Horse

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Pale Green Horse     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Michael I. Leahey
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Dunne, Apr 2002, $22.95, 260 pp.

While James Joseph "JJ" Donovan was enjoying his vacation with his ex-wife in the Virgin Islands, his partner, Dr. Boris Koulomzin attends a Yankees game when he mistakenly receives a manila envelope. However, the messenger must have changed his mind because following the game, he tries to kill Boris. JJ returns home to a badly, battered and frightened Boris because the content of the envelope describes the work of a serial killer.

Johnny St. John believes God has assigned him to provide salvation by delivering the very sick. Johnny does his task so well, killing people that JJ fears for Boris’ life. JJ decides to go after this self-anointed mercy angel even though his actions place him in peril from a brilliant but twisted right hand of God.

THE PALE GREEN HORSE is an interesting serial killer tale that uses medical science and the streets of New York to add a deep authentic chill to the plot. The story line is action-packed due to a rising death count, but the solution feels more like the air let out of a balloon. The cynical hard-boiled JJ is a fun character to follow as he seeks clues to the whereabouts of the culprit before Boris joins the death list. Johnny is a fascinating villain, as he believes in what he is doing, yet at times seems too theatrical in accomplishing his "heavenly deeds". Though not as smooth as BROKEN MACHINES, THE PALE GREEN HORSE provides a complex intriguing tale that will garner Michael I. Leahey new readers and satisfy his previous fans.

Harriet Klausner

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