![\"Suspicion\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41I7XCeU6aL.jpg?w=474&ssl=1\")
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Some time back<\/strong> a commenter on this blog recommended that I read Suspicion<\/a><\/em>, by Joseph Finder. The suggestion fell through the cracks (in my head), but I\u2019ve read it now. It is indeed a powerful, compelling thriller. Maybe too compelling for my delicate nerves.<\/p>\n The set-up is a classic Hitchcockian dilemma, in which a regular, decent guy gets caught up in criminal matters way beyond his experience. Danny Goodman, the hero, is a writer, not outstandingly successful. He\u2019s missed a book deadline, but for good reason. His ex-wife died and left him with the care of his teenage daughter, Abby. Abby loves the private school she\u2019s been attending, but it\u2019s way beyond Danny\u2019s means. He dreads taking her out of it, after the trauma of losing her mother.<\/p>\n And then he gets thrown a life preserver. Abby\u2019s best friend is the daughter of a fabulously wealthy money manager, Tom Galvin. Tom considers Abby a much-needed good influence, so he offers Danny a large loan. After struggling with his pride, Danny accepts. It helps that he genuinely likes Galvin as a friend.<\/p>\n And then the hammer falls. Danny gets pulled in by a couple DEA agents. They tell him Galvin is working for a drug cartel, and Danny\u2019s acceptance of his money makes him a co-conspirator under the law. He has a choice \u2013 work with them to build a case against Galvin, or go to prison himself.<\/p>\n Danny now has to be a spy and an informer, balancing his love for his daughter against his conscience and his friendship with Galvin. Gradually he will learn that there are wheels within wheels, and that the situation is more complicated \u2013 and dangerous \u2013 than he had suspected in his greatest fears. He will also learn that he\u2019s capable of things he never dreamed of.<\/p>\n Suspicion <\/em>is a well-written thriller, one that pulls you in like a shirt wrapped around a washing machine agitator. I found the perils and dangers genuinely distressing, and I empathized deeply with Danny Goodman. In fact, I\u2019m not sure I\u2019ll read another from this very accomplished author, just because I\u2019m not sure I can handle the tension.<\/p>\n But if you\u2019re looking for a really compelling thriller, Suspicion <\/em>delivers big time. The usual cautions for adult themes apply.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Some time back a commenter on this blog recommended that I read Suspicion, by Joseph Finder. The suggestion fell through the cracks (in my head), but I\u2019ve read it now. It is indeed a powerful, compelling thriller. Maybe too compelling for my delicate nerves. The set-up is a classic Hitchcockian dilemma, in which a regular, … Continue reading ‘Suspicion,’ by Joseph Finder<\/span>