Code of Vengeance
Grade : C

Everyone loved Boston's favorite politician, Philip Stewart. Everyone, that is except the person who murdered him. When the councillor is found shot to death in his home, shock waves ripple through Boston. The police are stumped. There are no witnesses, no clues and no one can think of any reason why someone would want to kill the revered man. But Boston Post reporter Frank Cronin suspects things are not what they appear to be, and is assigned to the story. Cronin quickly discovers that Stewart was not the decent, honest person he presented himself to be, but instead was a wicked, corrupt and sometimes cruel man who wielded his power with an iron fist.

Frank's investigation not only uncovers Stewart's dark past, but exposes several possible suspects to his murder. All of them are members of Boston's elite society and all are determined to shut down Frank's investigation. Frank also comes in contact with a painful piece of his own past, as he is reunited with Susan, a local prosecutor whom he had loved and lost. The two struggle to repair their broken relationship and rediscover the love they once shared. Their relationship adds a touching, poignant note to the book.

Meanwhile, as Frank's probe draws fire from those in power who demand he end the investigation and stop maligning Stewart's name, he only becomes more determined in his quest. Eventually, with the help of Susan and Boston cop Mike McCormack, the truth is finally revealed. Unfortunately, though the identity of the killer is surprising and rather ingenious, Code of Vengeance seriously loses its way on the road to identifying the killer. And, though several thought-provoking questions are raised, the answers the book provides are one-sided; it seems as though the book endorses the murder of Philip Stewart and doesn't take the time or effort to look at the ramifications and repercussions of vigilante acts.

To justify Stewart's murder, the character is totally demonized. He is a thief, a sexual predator, and a blackmailer instead of a fully fleshed out character with both good and bad sides. The book also indulges in a disturbing and unnecessary touch of homophobia that might make some readers uncomfortable.

The demonization of the Phillip Stewart drags down what is otherwise an enjoyable book. Code of Vengeance is well written, the main characters three dimensional and intriguing, and the identity of the killer truly a surprise. The book also gives a vivid portrait of the city of Boston and shows the reader a lot about how newspapers and local politics work. It's a shame that the writer was unable to better address the central questions about justice and truth that the book poses. A more accurate and balanced portrait of such weighty issues and less cardboard bad guy would have made this book a keeper.

Reviewed by Anthony Langford
Grade : C
Book Type: Mystery

Sensuality: Subtle

Review Date : June 4, 2000

Publication Date: 1997

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Anthony Langford

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