MANIA
Craig Larsen
Pinnacle
Psychological Thriller
ISBN: 9780786021543
MANIA is one of the most impressive thriller debuts of 2009. Craig Larsen, who started writing what he describes as “Dick and Jane” stories at a very early age, apparently has decided not to stick with that genre. The loss to children’s literature is indeed the thriller genre’s gain.
The heart of MANIA lies with Nick Wilder. Be forewarned: Nick is not a particularly sympathetic character. It is evident almost from the beginning that there is something wrong with him. A freelance newspaper photographer who barely ekes out a living, Nick constantly has blackout spells, repressed memories, hallucinations --- and a habit of turning up at murder scenes where the guest of honor is a victim of a Seattle serial killer known as the Street Butcher. Nick does this so frequently that it has caused a split in the Seattle police department between Adam Stolie, the detective investigating the case, and Lieutenant Dombrowski, Stolie’s superior officer. Stolie thinks that Nick is innocent, just unlucky, while Dombrowski believes he is guilty as sin.
The worst part about it is that Nick isn’t totally sure himself. His older brother, Sam, is wildly successful and very supportive of him. But Nick is jealous --- and he keeps having these weird memories of Sam, memories that are not only strange but incomplete as well. While so much is wrong with his life, there is Sara Garland. He meets her in a coffee shop, and it is like love at first sight. Sara is beautiful, intelligent and wealthy, but most importantly, she is incredibly supportive of Nick as she aggressively pursues him. How can a loser like Nick be so lucky? Well, for one thing, as we discover, he is definitely not a loser…but there is something that is most definitely wrong with him. And part of the deep, dark mystery of MANIA is uncovering the “what” and the “why” behind it.
Larsen is strong on plot and characterization, and there are indications throughout the book that his talents run long and deep in those areas. The novel’s ultimate asset, however, is its brooding, disturbing atmosphere. Almost from the first page, Larsen infuses his story with the feeling that all is not right or well. And indeed, it is not. The subject matter --- a serial killer loose on the streets of Seattle, killing victims at random --- would be enough, but the elements such as homelessness, sibling rivalry and manipulation that populate MANIA are all painted in even darker shades than those normally accorded to them. Larsen connects his characters in dark, vicious circles --- some immediately obvious, others not as much --- and then begins dropping surprises and revelations like raindrops during a thunderstorm. You are going to have a hard time getting Nick and the lovely Sara and the Street Butcher out of your head --- and it won’t be for lack of trying.
Keep an eye on Craig Larsen. I have the feeling we can expect more top quality books from him in the future. And set aside a night to read MANIA. You won’t want to stop once you start.
--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
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