Death Drop - Alina Adams

Death Drop
A Figure Skating Mystery
Alina Adams
Berkley Prime Crime

Mystery

During a morning practice just before Nationals, there’s a surprise spectator. Harris Knox, the referee running the practice, spots an infant in a car seat, and takes the baby to the stadium office to call the police. But before the officers even arrive, a body is found hanged by a sparkly belt in a costume room. It’s Allison Adler, who at 19, suddenly dropped out of the skating world. The baby is hers, but the identity of the father seems to be in doubt. It’s possible that her former coach, the married Idan Ben-Golan, fathered the child. He immediately claims the child, and tells the police that Allison was at the rink that morning to leave the baby with him, permanently. Then there’s Allison’s former boyfriend and fellow skating star, Cooper Devaney, who claims he knows nothing about a baby.

When the police determine that Allison was actually strangled and the suicide was staged, everyone is a suspect. And too many people have motives. As usual, the skating world is a small world, and it’s up to Bex Levy, head researcher for 24/7 Television Network to ferret out the truth.

This is the latest in a series of very satisfying mysteries. Anyone with even a passing interest in the world of competitive figure skating will enjoy this insider’s look. Bex is still dealing with issues stemming from her last case, and is a bit unsure of herself here, but that’s completely believable. The rest of the characters are a varied lot and add depth to the proceedings. It’s always a good day when a new Bex Levy mystery arrives, and fans won’t be disappointed with this one.

Rating: 8
October 2006
ISBN# 0-425-21266-1 (paperback)