Robert Crais published Demolition Angel in June 2000. In this novel he introduces his character, Carol Starkey. She works on the LAPD Criminal Conspiracy Squad. Previously, she worked on the bomb squad, but a premature explosion damaged her physically and mentally. Actually the bomb killed her and her boyfriend, but EMT’s were able to resuscitate her.
Her current case involves another fellow officer, Charlie Riggio who was killed by a roadside bomb. (Not very good statistics for the LAPD bomb squad.) The bomb matches the MO of mob contract bomber, John Michael Fowles, aka Mr. Red. Besides making illicit money, Fowles has set the goal for himself to be on the FBI’s top ten most wanted list, and he isn’t above killing public officials to gain that status.
Before catching the bomber, Starkey must deal with her own personal demons. At the beginning of the story Starkey’s psyche is pretty much screwed. She seldom touches food and prefers alcohol, cigarettes, and Tagamet. Starkey suffers from severe guilt because she survived the blast while her boyfriend, David Boudreaux, did not.
Readers know Robert Crais for his Elvis Cole novels. Demolition Angel provides all of the fast paced action, suspense and plot twists of the Elvis Cole novels. This novel is also worth reading because it provides the background material for Carol Starkey. InChasing Darkness Crais uses Starkey in a supporting role, and she performs very well in this supporting role. I think we may see more of Carol Starkey in future books by Crais.
Bruce G. Smith 8/9/2009