ACCIDENTS WAITING TO HAPPEN
by Simon Wood
Barclay Books, 2002
ISBN: 1931402302
Reviewed by Pamela White
Simon Wood's premier in the mystery world, ACCIDENTS WAITING TO HAPPEN is a smashing, rip-roaring success. His approachable style combines with a stunning tale of murder for hire, near misses, and plot twists that won't let the reader go even after the final page.
Josh Michaels is an ordinary man, with a wife and daughter, a job he likes and a secret he wants to keep buried. His life takes a dire turn one day as he drives home from a business trip. As he steers along the Sacramento River, an SUV passing too closely drives him off the road, and over the bank into the water. As his car sinks, Josh sees the return of the offending SUV. Grateful for the imminent rescue, Josh is shocked when the car's driver steps out of the car and gives his victim the thumbs down gesture reminiscent of a scene with ancient Roman gladiators battling to the death.
Josh survives his near miss, but cannot convince anyone that this was no accident. Layer by layer, the story builds as a hired gun infiltrates Josh's life, his secret ex-lover crashes a party and even his best friend betrays him. It's clear that Josh's ordinary life is in mortal danger, but who would want him dead? Who benefits the most from his demise?
Wood expertly presents a variety of motives: extortion, sex and insurance benefits. His characters are thoughtfully drawn. The ex-lover is a dangerously jealous woman. Josh's wife, Kate, is complex - worried, loving, straightforward, and suspicious, in turn. The character of Josh is a memorable one. Unable to get the police interested in investigating his "accident," he starts his own investigation finding that he may not be the only intended victim.
From the introductory pages to the final showdowns, including one with the murderer and a separate one with the person who has the real motive, ACCIDENTS WAITING TO HAPPEN is a gripping story of intrigue, greed and terror, and begs the question, "How much are each of us worth, and to whom?"
Wood's skilled characterization, plot development and description make him a writer to watch. And while you're watching him, look out for his next novels, WE ALL FALL DOWN and GONE.
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