Book Review: Diplomatic Immunity

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Diplomatic Immunity     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Grant Sutherland
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural   Legal Setting
Bantam, May 2001, $23.95, 384 pp.

The General Assembly of the United Nations has a historic vote coming up filled with controversy. The member nations must decide whether Japan deserves a seat on the Security Council. Though most countries including the United States leans towards yes, strong opposition led by long time employer Toshio Hatanaka oppose Japan obtaining a seat.

First Deputy in the Secretariat's Legal Affairs Sam Windrush feels pressure from his boss Patrick O'Connor and his girlfriend Jennifer Dale, aid to the American Ambassador to the United Nations. Both ask Sam to persuade the influential Toshio to drop his opposition. Not long afterwards, former NYPD official, now deputy of United Nations security Mike Jardine, informs Sam that Toshio lies dead in the basement of the United Nations' "Turtle Bay" building. NYPD cannot enter the facility to investigate the crime so Sam and Mike are assigned to do so. However, Sam's boss and other VIPs want Toshio's death declared a suicide, but the two intrepid sleuths think otherwise and continue to investigate with no support.

DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY is an exciting look at the United Nations from a legal and police procedural story line. The tale is exciting and insightful as readers obtain a glimpse inside those "eighteen acres" of Manhattan that is not United States jurisdiction. Sam is a brave individual fighting to do the right thing against overwhelming odds that threaten him with his job, his life, and even through his daughter, a United nations guide. Grant Sutherland provides an intriguing plot that hopefully is the start of a new series with more insider perusals of the United Nations.

Harriet Klausner

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