What becomes more sinister for Suze is the direct connection of one of the crimes with her own father. One of the victims was a former lover of her father. As she strives to make progress in the investigation, Suze struggles with her own relationships with men on a personal level, which, in a way, seems remarkably similar to the personal life of one of the victims in her case.

Almost Night, a first novel, has some strengths and some weaknesses. The author’s ability to accurately describe the setting is a definite strength. Several scenes take place in the Everglades and it is easy for the reader to sense the atmosphere of the location through the author’s attention to detail. The characters are well constructed and presented. They all have distinct personalities although, occasionally, Susannah Cannon is a less than endearing heroine. There are just too many emotional crises in her personal life for readers to really bond with her. Suze’s partner, Rafael, however, is much more lovable.

Ms. Prospero has the minority groups well represented -- the Commander, an African-American woman, Bea; the protagonist’s partner, Rafael, a Cuban émigré; the forensic pathologist, Raja, an Indian woman. The characters, while representing minority groups are handled as individuals, not stereotypes of their heritage. None of the characters use their ethnic background as an excuse for their behavior or as a means to advance their career, a refreshing change from characters in other novels.

While there are no glaring inconsistencies or remarkable coincidences, there are one or two places where the heroine seems overly well informed. In one instance, while searching in the victim’s medicine cabinet, she finds a prescription bottle, which she immediately identifies as a generic tranquilizer. With the number of such products available, this ability to recognize on sight the type of drug seems nothing short of amazing.

The main theme of discovering the identity of a serial killer is not at all unique. However, there is a certain segment of the mystery reading public (myself included) to whom this topic appeals. It makes for a fast paced read and lends itself to considerable discussion of forensic detail, which I find fascinating.

Except for Susannah Cannon for whom I felt little affection, I quite enjoyed the several hours of entertainment that Almost Night provided.

--Andy Plonka