Dante's Poison
Review: Chicago-based psychiatrist Mark Angelotti, who just two years ago lost his sight due to a genetic defect, is trying to adjust to his new life. But it's difficult, made more so by his wife leaving him following the death of one of their children — which she blames on him — and the court order forbidding him to visit his youngest son, still a toddler, though they can Skype. Mark has just enrolled in a drug trial that, if successful, will restore his eyesight. In the meantime, he's asked by a friend, attorney Hallie Sanchez, to assist on a murder case, in Dante's Poison, the second mystery in this series by Lynn Raimondo.
Hallie's best friend, Jane Barrett, has been arrested for killing Rory Gallagher, an ace reporter who was also overweight, drank to excess, and smoked constantly. There being no external injuries, it was assume he died of a heart attack and was buried. His nephew insists the body be exhumed and a full autopsy performed. It turns out his bloodstream contained a new drug from Atria, an antipsychotic used to treat mental health patients. And Jane Barrett, an attorney for Atria, just happened to be an expert on it. Mark manages to convince the court to let Jane go free on bail, but shortly thereafter he and Hallie are attacked, leaving Hallie in a coma and Mark with a concussion. Mark becomes convinced that their attack is related to Gallagher's now ruled suspicious death, but what could the connection be? And is Jane as innocent as she claims to be?
Dante's Poison is a remarkable novel, with unexpected plot twists that will keep readers guessing. The characters are especially noteworthy, with strong backstories and engaging personalities. Mark Angelotti, in particular, doesn't succumb to despair and depression over the curves life has thrown him, but instead moves forward with a combination of strength and humor. Suspenseful and fast-paced, this mystery thriller is highly recommended.
Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of Dante's Poison.
Acknowledgment: Seventh Street Books provided a copy of Dante's Poison for this review.
Review Copyright © 2014 — Hidden Staircase Mystery Books — All Rights Reserved
Selected reviews of other mysteries by this author … Dante's Wood Seventh Street Books (Trade Paperback), January 2013 ISBN-13: 9781616147181; ISBN-10: 1616147180 Dante's Dilemma Seventh Street Books (Trade Paperback), August 2015 ISBN-13: 9781633880429; ISBN-10: 1633880427
Location(s) referenced in Dante's Poison: Chicago, Illinois
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Dante's Poison by Lynne Raimondo — A Mark Angelotti Mystery
Publisher: Seventh Street Books
Format: Trade Paperback
ISBN-13: 978-1-61614-879-9
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $15.95
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Page Author: Lance Wright Site Publisher: Mysterious Reviews
Mysterious Reviews is a Division of The Hidden Staircase Mystery Books and a Business Unit of the Omnimystery Family of Mystery Websites
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