Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Pg. 99: Judith Cutler's "Cold Pursuit"

Today's feature at the Page 99 Test: Judith Cutler's Cold Pursuit.

About the book, from the publisher:

When a colleague becomes seriously ill, Chief Superintendent Frances Harman has to delay her impending retirement to oversee an investigation into a recent spate of ‘happy slappings’ and minor assaults in the Kent area. Initially, she begrudgingly takes a back seat in the case, but it is not long before she is once again perilously close to the action.

The wave of assaults has ignited a media furore and Fran is concerned that an unnecessary atmosphere of mass hysteria is being generated in the area. She soon finds herself having to spend as much time trying to control the media as trying to catch the criminals. However, the local reporter that initially broke the story, Dilly Pound, may have personal reasons for taking such an avid interest in the case.

As the crimes gradually escalate and the line between ‘happy slapping’ and serious sexual assault becomes blurred, all mention of retirement is postponed until Fran can resolve the nightmare that has enveloped around her.

Among the praise for Judith Cutler's novels:

"The fresh and lively style of Judith Cutler`s writing always appeals and I look forward to the next one."
--Bernard Knight

"In Cutler… we are undoubtedly dealing with the crème de la crème."
--The Times

"Judith Cutler writes so well that she could make the Telephone Book enthralling reading, as her wit and perspicacity make every page a delight."
--Tangled Web
Judith Cutler is a prolific U.K.-based crime novelist. Among her books are one series featuring amateur sleuth Sophie Rivers and another starring Detective Sergeant Kate Power.

Cold Pursuit is the second novel featuring Fran Harman, a Detective Chief Superintendent from Kent.

Cutler's short story “Shaping the Ends,” Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine (May 2006), has been nominated for a 2007 Barry Award.

Read more about Cold Pursuit and Judith Cutler's other writing.

The Page 99 Test: Cold Pursuit.

--Marshal Zeringue