A Voice for Independent Authors

“You can kill a book quicker by your silence than by a bad review.”
― E.A. Bucchianeri

REVIEWING TODAY: THE STRANGLER’S KNOT BY PETER S. BERMAN

Although the plotline of The Strangler’s Knot may not be the most unique in the hugely popular literary genre of police detective fiction, the skill shown by Peter S. Berman in developing his fast-paced serial-killer story is so competently well-handled that the appreciative reader is more than satisfied in all respects. The characters especially are adeptly drawn and developed, and the sub-plots are thoroughly engaging and made integral to the tale. Kelly Caldwell is a newbie to the world of homicide investigation, but her intelligence and tenacity make her an admirable adversary for the killer. Nicky Cavaleri is an experienced, veteran L.A. Detective who partners with the young woman to tackle a Bend, Oregon cold case that literally bleeds into the present from several decades past. Their slow-paced but mutual infatuation makes for a consistently engaging and interesting development.

Peter S. Berman’s ability to take a tried-and-true storyline and invest The Strangler’s Knot with his own brand of intrigue, plot twists, red herrings, and moments of high suspense is remarkable. Berman avoids at every step the common clichés that avid fans of this genre hate. Imbuing his fiction with an insider’s knowledge of process and procedure, a sense of authenticity abounds, even in the most common interactions of his characters. Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of Berman’s work comes from his convincing subplots, which in the hands of a less skilled author would strain the credulity of the reader, but from him evoke a wonderful sense of place and the real people in it. As stated above, this is a fast-paced book that will keep its readers quickly turning pages. They will not be disappointed by the ride.