The Sleeping Doll- Jeffery Deaver

Well those familiar with this name will know the quality of his work. To those that don't have you seen "The Bone Collector - starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie" if not then go rent it!!

 This is not one of his Lincoln Rhyme novels, nor is it one of the collections or the one offs that he used to do. This is the start of a new series, introducing to you ....Kathryn Dance ... not a forensic scientist, nor a hardbitten cop-type driven by alcohol and a bitterness towards society, there are no cliches, like the black lieutenant that shouts alot. She is an expert in Kinesics- the Science of Interpreting Behaviour, in other words she's a human lie detector. (kind of like the show- Angelas Eyes)

The case revolves around Daniel Pell, the so called Son of Manson, a charismatic leader of a so called "Family". Involved in the slaughter of a wealthy business man 8 years ago. Leaving one member of the household alive, the so called "Sleeping Doll" surviving through pure chance.

Pell is moved from his maximum security penitentiary to Salinas for interrogation by Dance. He escapes with the help of someone unknown to the police force.

Dance calls in the surviving members of the "family" to assist in the case and also wants the assistance of the "sleeping doll", but encounters considerable resistance from the local constabulary and her aunt. The FBI send a specialist in cult activites to assist and the chase begins.

Be prepared folks, this is not about forensics so anyone expecting this will be dissapointed its not another CSI. More subtle than this Dance deals in possibilities and behaviour patterns, what's said, what's not said and body language etc.

An excellent book and a great introduction to a new character for Deaver to add to his ammo belt, fascinating in many ways, he's created a real gem here. Please go out and get this one, it's well worth the read.