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Initially, I was drawn to this book by its setting --- Portland, my hometown. I like the feeling that comes with knowing a place intimately. That way, it seems that I somehow have an edge over the average reader. Along with the comfort of familiar street names, buildings and cafes, however, Ms. Burke demonstrates a meticulous knowledge of the inner workings of prosecutors and courtrooms. She should, having spent years as a deputy district attorney right here in Multnomah County. Ms. Burke's depictions of how the law works, with all its frustrations and flaws, are dead-on accurate --- with the possible exception of her belief that only rookie cops aren't fat. (I owed that objection to my husband, retired from the department after 26 years.) Ms. Burke handily reveals some gaping holes in our legal system. Some of its failings shine from the pages and you're left to wonder how victims --- especially young ones like in JUDGMENT CALLS --- deal with the imperfections. I could see how choosing not to press charges might look more attractive than facing the horror of testifying before a room full of invasive media, gawkers and general trial oddballs.
In this case, thirteen-year-old Kendra Martin has been viciously raped and left for dead in the Columbia River Gorge, a scenic area a few short miles from the city center. The details are so gruesome that even Deputy District Attorney Samantha Kincaid winces when she hears them. The three major crime detectives that bring the case to Kincaid don't need to argue very much to induce her to fight to make this one stick. The victim, given mug photos, confidently identifies her attacker. Even her body language says she's sure. The suspect is quickly arrested and, in an unusual turn of events, pushes for an exceptionally speedy trial, insisting he's innocent.
While the physical evidence convinces Samantha she has a solid case, she faces an uphill battle with her victim. Kendra's background isn't exactly squeaky clean, and she is no naïve child. She turned to prostitution in order to support her drug habit. In addition, her mom isn't the best role model, with a shoplifting charge or two to her name. But the viciousness of the attack dictates the need to put this guy away. That, plus the threatening phone calls and a Toyota Tercel that Ms. Kincaid thinks is following her, make her more determined than ever. In the course of investigating this crime, Samantha stumbles onto evidence of a web of crimes that appear linked to Kendra's attack. The possibility of a serial killer sends her trial into a tailspin and mobilizes the full force of the police department to uncover the truth.
Alafair is definitely James Lee Burke's daughter, no doubt about it. She pens a taut detective story with intelligent, witty dialogue and moves it along roller coaster style. While she may lack dad's polish --- polish that comes with vast experience and practice --- with her talent, she should have many years to work on it. For now, we can eagerly await another Samantha Kincaid mystery, due to hit shelves in the spring of 2004.
--- Reviewed by Kate Ayers
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