Reviewed By Liz

ISBN 0-373-89603-4

Yes, I have been known to judge a book by its cover. Theoretically, book covers give some indication about the story waiting inside. And when I saw the cover of The Key, I thought it was going to be a little fluffy. I was surprised and pleased to find a well-written and absorbing book.

Rachel Benjamin is an investment banker who puts in the long hours required to make partner at an investment bank. Unfortunately, she has some serious concerns about her new boss. In addition to abusing his underlings in a manner that earns him some colorful nicknames, he is pushing through a questionable buyout at unheard of speed. When Rachel receives an anonymous email saying the buyout is dirty and her boss is murdered immediately after, she realizes her life might depend on the outcome of the buyout deal and she has to investigate. Rachel enlists the help of her computer consultant fiancé to track down the anonymous emailer and then calls on her old college roommates when she becomes a suspect and has to disappear for a while.

The publisher of The Key, Red Dress Ink, is obviously publishing mysteries aimed at youngish, sophisticated women (I am no longer young and my sophistication level is debatable, so I am probably not the target audience). But unlike some books aimed at women, this book is well-written, has a complex plot, and I particularly like the ending. This book reminds me of Grisham’s The Firm, but with more humor, character development, and emphasis on the relationships between the different characters. This is the third Rachel Benjamin book and I look forward to going back for the other two.

Favorite character? Peter, the fiancé, for adapting to difficult circumstances. Did I guess it? Some of it. Will I read another? Yes.

Mystery Book Reviews by Liz at http://reviewedbyliz.com ©2007

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