Title: Shark Music
Author: Carol O’Connell
First published December 28, 2006
464 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780099505280 (ISBN10: 0099505282)
Rating: 3.98
Overview
Another body is found in Chicago, this time with a cryptic message etched into the skin. Detective Sergeant Kathy Mallory is assigned to the case and soon discovers a series of gruesome murders along the infamous Route 66.
As she investigates, she crosses paths with a group of parents searching for their missing children, all of whom have vanished along the same stretch of road. But Mallory’s search takes a personal turn when she realizes that the clues may lead her to uncover the secrets of her own mysterious past.
As she delves deeper into the case, Mallory finds herself facing a twisted killer unlike any she has encountered before. Can she solve the case and unravel her own tangled history before it’s too late?
About the Author
Carol O’Connell, an accomplished artist, was born in 1947 and pursued her studies at the California Institute of Arts/Chouinard and Arizona State University. Currently, she resides in the bustling city of New York.
One of her most notable works is the Kathleen Mallory series.
Editoral Review
Shark Music by Carol O’Connell is a mystery novel that follows NYPD detective Kathleen Mallory as she investigates a string of murders in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. First published in 2006, this book is the ninth in the Mallory series, and it showcases O’Connell’s skill at crafting complex characters, intricate plots, and vivid settings.
O’Connell is an American author known for her crime fiction. Her books have been praised for their psychological depth and their exploration of the darker aspects of human nature.
Shark Music is no exception, as it delves into the disturbing psyche of a serial killer and the twisted relationships that surround him.
The story begins with the discovery of a young woman’s body in Central Park. Mallory, who is known for her unorthodox methods and her troubled past, is assigned to the case.
As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that lead her to suspect that the killer is someone she knows. Meanwhile, Mallory also has to confront her own demons and come to terms with her relationship with her adoptive father, a former thief who has his own secrets to hide.
One of the strengths of Shark Music is its characterization. Mallory is a fascinating protagonist, a complex mix of intelligence, vulnerability, and ruthlessness.
O’Connell portrays her with empathy and nuance, showing us both her strengths and her weaknesses. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, from Mallory’s partner Riker to the various suspects and witnesses she encounters along the way.
The pacing of the novel is another strong point. O’Connell keeps the tension high throughout, building suspense with each new revelation and red herring.
The plot twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. The setting, too, is vividly portrayed, with O’Connell capturing the atmosphere of New York City’s elite neighborhoods with detail and precision.
However, there are also some weaknesses to the book. The plot can be convoluted at times, with too many subplots and characters to keep track of.
The prose can also be overly descriptive, with O’Connell sometimes indulging in purple prose and unnecessary digressions.
Overall, though, Shark Music is a compelling read that will satisfy fans of the mystery genre. It combines strong characterization, intricate plotting, and atmospheric setting to create a memorable reading experience.
For those who are new to the Mallory series, it may be helpful to start with an earlier book, as there are references to past events that may be confusing. However, for those who are already familiar with Mallory and her world, Shark Music is a must-read.
It earns a solid four out of five stars.
