KILLER WEEKEND
Ridley Pearson
Putnam
Thriller
ISBN-10: 0399154078
ISBN-13: 9780399154072

• Read an Excerpt

In Sun Valley, Idaho, eight years ago, Walt Fleming was a rookie patrolman riding a bike as part of the town's "pedal patrol." While on duty one night he observed a loose screen at the home of part-time resident Elizabeth Shaler, a rising star on the political scene, and decided to investigate. While saving Shaler from a knife-wielding intruder, Fleming was stabbed.

Now Fleming serves as Blaine County Sheriff, and New York State Attorney General Shaler is returning to Sun Valley to deliver a keynote address at a high-profile media conference sponsored by billionaire Patrick Cutter. Rumor has it that Shaler will announce her candidacy for president during the event.

With the media spotlight glaring on Sun Valley, the naturally beautiful landscape has been transformed into a security and logistical nightmare. The sheriff, who still bears the scar from the knife attack, strives to assert his authority and maintain a presence among intelligence and security officials, who include the Secret Service, the FBI and heads of private security agencies. Because of Fleming's heroic and life-saving actions in the past, Shaler seeks his advice, much to the chagrin of power-seekers who attempt to undermine the sheriff's authority.

Hours before the conference, intelligence agencies intercept information indicating a credible threat against the Attorney General. Meanwhile, in Salt Lake City, Utah, a mutilated body is found in a bag, which has been stuffed inside a suspended ceiling in an airport construction site. The body is still warm, and the murder has the markings of a professional hit. But because of the condition of the corpse, accurate identification of the "John Doe" is not readily determined.

The first flight departing Salt Lake City after the grizzly discovery is bound for Sun Valley. The Salt Lake Transportation Security Administration director calls Fleming, who suspects that the murderer has assumed the identity of the victim. Fleming also believes that the murder in Salt Lake and the threat against Shaler are connected. Fleming speeds to the airport, where he and Deputy Tom Brandon observe the deplaning passengers, hoping to apprehend anyone who acts suspiciously.

As last-minute preparations for the conference fall into place, corporate executives, billionaires, radical protestors --- and even hungry cougars --- converge on Sun Valley, where they compete for power and territory. Sightings of the graceful yet deadly cougars, called "ghosts of the Rockies," have been reported nearby. A suspected killing attributed to a cougar attack has Fleming operating on strong coffee and little sleep.

The sheriff must also deal with his own troubles on the home front. Adding to his distress are his pending divorce, some painful memories that resurface after his father's unexpected return, a gut-wrenching betrayal and his nephew's scrapes with the law.

With the clock ticking, an adroit and ruthless killer puts the finishing touches on a bold and murderous plot. As the hours wind down into minutes, Fleming presses on to try to apprehend the assassin, stop the attack and save the Attorney General.

KILLER WEEKEND is an intelligent, tightly-written story with short chapters, crisp dialogue and a refreshing twist. Ridley Pearson's latest novel is a high-altitude, high-octane thriller about murder, greed, betrayal and revenge, but it also includes a welcome shot of redemption, sacrifice and forgiveness.

    --- Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt (dvolkenannt@charter.net)

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