Spring Break
Author debut more than a little creepy
Timothy Baghurst
Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: Life & Style
"Eight in the Box by Raffi Yessayan (Random House, $24.99")
Defense attorney and previous prosecutor Raffi Yessayan's debut novel interweaves race, the legal system and more than a little killing.
"Eight in the Box" includes a variety of characters within the judicial and investigative systems.
When a killer called Richter leaves a literal blood bath in his victims' houses, the papers soon jump on the term "Blood Bath Killer."
But no one really knows if the victims are dead, as no bodies are discovered. Detectives Mooney and Alves are stumped as to why the killer is removing the bodies, and clues are few and far between.
Prosecutor Connie Darget and his team are of little help and it would appear that their involvement is merely decorative.
However, the situation changes when Alves and Mooney discover evidence linking the killings to the prosecution team.
In a mad and somewhat unexpected finish, multiple layers of the plot are uncovered to the surprise of many.
Yessayan's experience in the courtroom is clear as his ability to walk readers through the courtroom is impressive.
However, with so many characters involved, in addition to the themes of tackling equality and justice, the plot is sometimes lost.
For much of the book, the reader wonders what the prosecutors had to do with plot unless they were going to try the killer.
Although the book is a little ambitious, it is a good read.
Regular readers of mystery and suspense will probably figure things out before the end, but Yessayan has the potential to become a regular in this genre.
The book is available for purchase at the UA Bookstore.
Defense attorney and previous prosecutor Raffi Yessayan's debut novel interweaves race, the legal system and more than a little killing.
"Eight in the Box" includes a variety of characters within the judicial and investigative systems.
When a killer called Richter leaves a literal blood bath in his victims' houses, the papers soon jump on the term "Blood Bath Killer."
But no one really knows if the victims are dead, as no bodies are discovered. Detectives Mooney and Alves are stumped as to why the killer is removing the bodies, and clues are few and far between.
Prosecutor Connie Darget and his team are of little help and it would appear that their involvement is merely decorative.
However, the situation changes when Alves and Mooney discover evidence linking the killings to the prosecution team.
In a mad and somewhat unexpected finish, multiple layers of the plot are uncovered to the surprise of many.
Yessayan's experience in the courtroom is clear as his ability to walk readers through the courtroom is impressive.
However, with so many characters involved, in addition to the themes of tackling equality and justice, the plot is sometimes lost.
For much of the book, the reader wonders what the prosecutors had to do with plot unless they were going to try the killer.
Although the book is a little ambitious, it is a good read.
Regular readers of mystery and suspense will probably figure things out before the end, but Yessayan has the potential to become a regular in this genre.
The book is available for purchase at the UA Bookstore.
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