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Almost Night |
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 Almost Night byAnn Prospero Dutton 273 pages, April 2000 ISBN 0525945326 Reviewed by Susan McBride Read our interview with the author by Susan McBride Read a second review by Maria Y. Lima The art work on the cover of Almost Night depicts a lake with vegetation growing at its edges, an overcast sky above and the reflected sunrise - or sunset - washing the water a molten gold. There is a sense of honesty and poetry in the image that is reflected within the pages of the book itself. It’s no wonder that its author, Ann Prospero, is a journalist and poet. The rhythm of her words and the depth of color in her descriptions of South Florida - in particular, Miami - are a testament to both. Susannah Cannon is the narrator, a woman whose strengths as a police detective are as evident as her weakness with regard to her personal relationships. Involved in a co-dependent love affair and trying hard to separate herself from the dysfunctionalities of her parents, she seems to function best at work. A good thing, too, as she quickly comes at the epicenter of an investigation involving the brutal rape and murder of a lonely Miami business woman. The victim apparently knew her killer, had invited him in and had sex with him, though those who’d been closest to her have no clue who he is. As lead investigator, the pressure is on Susannah to produce results. She uncovers a similar homicide in tiny Homestead, Florida, but the lack of suspects in that case tells her nothing except that her killer had struck before. In between questioning of the Miami victim’s co-workers, Susannah has to deal with an ex-husband still attached to her by paperwork and her off-and-on lover who knows just how to pull her strings. And before she has a chance to catch her breath, the killer strikes again. Prospero writes with a directness and in-your-face style as blunt as a slap in the face. The character of Susannah is true to life, her insecurities and mistakes making her all too human. The pace is fast and furious, and the elements of police procedure well-researched. Though the identity of the killer seemed a bit obvious and sometimes I thought Susannah needed a good shaking, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the book. Fans of early Cornwell will greedily welcome the debut of Ms. Prospero from the world of poetry into mystery fiction. Almost Night is an auspicious beginning. |
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