Red

For readers who love a down and dirty murder mystery, this is right up your alley. Add in the gritty reality of BDSM, and you have a complicated story that will challenge incorrect beliefs and old prejudices. It is obvious early on that two police detectives who figure prominently in the tale are this author's “Everyman” and express the biases common to folks outside the Lifestyle, as it is often termed. The author's point of view stems from her own participation in this alternate lifestyle and the expertise she demonstrates gives this novel its unmistakable authenticity. No effort is made to The unusual needs of people many of us encounter in daily living so seldom are tolerated and shoved into the “perversion” category. So it is here and not only does their presence and reality cause surprising difficulties in the murder investigation but there are personal crosses to bear as well. There are twists and turns and a surprising ending. There are also indications the some attitudes gradually begin changing. All in all, this is a compelling story but definitely not for the faint of heart.