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Final Cut |
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| Final Cut by Kit Sloane Deadly Alibi Press Ltd 196 pages, 2000 ISBN 1886199108 Reviewed by PJ Nunn The movie making business is known for its eccentricities and film editor Margot Lake thought she’d seen it all. When her significant other, famed director Max Skull, drags her on location to the isolated estate of the legendary Amory Evans, she’s not sure what he’s gotten them into. It’s true, the late Evans’ work as an editor is virtually unsurpassed, and she’s excited at the thought of working in the private studio where he created his masterpieces. Yet the moment they set foot on the ranch, Margot feels less than welcome. Leticia Evans, Amory’s widow, and her twin sister Bernice are elderly, difficult to tell apart, and apparently have very different reactions to Margot’s presence. They both love Max though, since he’s such a charmer. Margot feels uncomfortable from the beginning but Max is so excited about wrapping up the film on Evans’ property, she tries to share his enthusiasm. But when the film crew joins them, the situation worsens and soon, Margot fears that someone has determined to sabotage the film. Killing Margot would certainly put a damper on things. In FINAL CUT, Sloane has accomplished two things – she’s successfully created a vivid and unusual scenario that sets her book apart; and she’s provided an excellent mystery filled with suspense. The characters are in turn delightful, intriguing, eccentric and reassuringly normal – an excellent combination of the bizarre and mundane. The characters of Margot and Max might have been a little better developed, but they serve as constants, providing a foundational thread that weaves throughout the tale, sometimes in the forefront, other times serving as viewfinders that lead readers to a chilling and shocking surprise ending. Let’s hope that FINAL CUT is the first of many more to come. |
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