As evidence is collected in the case, suspicion grows that Alex is the prime suspect. The murdered man was a childhood acquaintance, a picture of her is found in the dead man’s possession, and the sweatpants she was wearing when she awoke in her car bear stains, which are probably blood. Alex firmly believes someone is framing her for the crime for some unknown reason, although she has no memory of the night the murder took place.

Alex’s brother James, who is in charge of the Berkeley Internal Affairs Department, lends Alex little support. In fact, he is a key player in deciding Alex should be suspended from duty until further notice. The burden of proof of her innocence is left to Alex, her partner Greg, and one loyal friend on the force, Brenda.

The basic idea for the plot of Ruthless Game is a good one. That someone could kill another human being without any memory of the deed is an interesting concept. The author lends some credibility to the possibility that Alex could have committed the act by relating an incident that occurred in her childhood. At that time, Alex was one of only three survivors of a mass murder of a group of school children, teacher, and chaperones. The man responsible for the killings was shot, presumably by one of the survivors. Alex has no recollection of this horrific event either. Unfortunately, the author makes the story a good deal more complex, bogging the reader down with much detail that does little to strengthen the initial premise.

Alex’s partner, Greg, is either totally smitten by her, or completely oblivious to his own safety or the fact that he could easily lose his job if he continues on his present course. Her brother James, having grown up with Alex, ought to a better knowledge of her character and acts as if she were a mere acquaintance.

The solution to the mystery in Ruthless Game is implausible and the reader is given no clues early in the book which make sense in light of the identity of the murderer. The author devotes considerable space at the conclusion to the murderer’s explanation, none of which rings true. In addition, since Alex has fallen out of favor with the police department, it seems amazing how much information she is able to obtain at just the right moment. She is also quite lucky other law enforcement agencies are so willing to aid her with no questions asked.

Alex remembers nothing of the terrible incident in her childhood, which took place when she was six years old and a second grader. We know she must be bright, since most second graders are at least seven. One would think a bright, well-balanced individual such as Alex is purported to be would recall something of such major significance. If she hasn’t been able to cope with this event, she’s probably not a great candidate for the police force.

If you are into escapist literature, and don’t mind plot inconsistencies, Ruthless Game may provide some diversion for a long winter’s night. If you need something of more substance, or like all the pieces to fit neatly into the whole picture, best pass this one by.

--Andy Plonka