The duo watches through one-way glass as passengers on a flight from Beijing via Seoul and Tokyo progress through customs. Suddenly gunfire erupts, leaving two Caucasian men and one Asian woman dead. The woman had been carrying a toddler, who is soon in the hands of Immigration and Naturalization officials.

Eve immediately thinks of the well being of the little girl while Maxwell hints at, but refuses to state clearly, what the event they have just witnessed might signify. In an attempt to pry more information from Maxwell, Eve suggests the possibility of two stories. The first one would focus on Russian mobsters, the second on the importance of the mysterious toddler.

Maxwell suggests several problems for immigration officials. There are numerous Pakistanis in the United States that have deliberately overstayed their visa period in order to send more money home to their extended families. In addition there is almost an army of pregnant women from Asia who have come to the US hoping they will give birth in America, making their child a US citizen. Maxwell, as a customs official, is more concerned with illegal drugs entering the country, though it is possible some of these would be immigrants are participating in drug traffic to obtain a little extra cash.

Eve begins to believe, from what Maxwell has told her, that the little girl is being used in some manner to smuggle drugs into the U.S. The fact that the toddler is seriously ill and is traveling with a Japanese passport but does not speak Japanese already is suspicious. He then tells her of several devious methods that are used to smuggle drugs that could physically harm the child, making Eve’s radar go on alert.

There is much appeal in Last Lullaby. The plot alone, of the war between the drug smugglers and the customs agents, and the parallel struggle of Asian immigrants trying to make a better life for their families in California, is enough to make a satisfactory read. However, author Denise Hamilton has incorporated much more in this volume. Intertwined with the plot are underlying themes of the plight of illegal aliens, for whose fate the government is at least partially responsible, and the unyielding callousness of United States Government officials.

Denise Hamilton develops her characters carefully and completely. As a reporter, Eve Diamond detaches herself from a situation in order to give an unbiased account of an event she witnesses. She is so dedicated to her job that her personal life does not occupy much of her time. What she does throughout the novel makes sense both in light of her personality and the type of job she has chosen. Minor characters are also consistent in their actions reflecting their personalities. Although it would make Ariel, Eve’s photographer friend, a more loveable person if she were less job oriented, it would not be logical to act that way. Another character, Samson Brenner, is an attorney with a mission. He needs a cause to dedicate himself to, despite the fact he has systematically destroyed his family because of this trait. His later actions in the book at first glance seem improbable, but further exploration of the man reveals his actions are consistent with the personality of the man.

In addition to a good story with well thought out characters, Hamilton offers some critical background information on the Southeast Asia political situation, and its relationship to Los Angeles through the immigrant population. Her comments are valid and should make every American look skeptically at several government policies that the United States has made regarding these people.

Last Lullaby would make a fine beach companion this summer, but the reader will come away with more than a few pleasant hours in the sun. It is sure to improve the mind a bit as well.

--Andy Plonka