Side by Side: A Winter Massey Suspense Novel.

New York, NY Bantam Books: Dell, 2005. Paperback First Ed thus; First Printing indicated. First Ed thus; First Printing indicated. Very Near Fine in Wraps: shows only the most minute indications of use: just a hint of wear to extremities, with a couple of faint dings at the bottom edge of the front panel; else flawless, except that the binding shows very slight lean, but remains perfectly secure; text clean. Very close to 'As New'. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. 12mo. 319pp + A Sampler from his next novel. Mass Market Paperback. John Ramsey Miller's SIDE BY SIDE, the third novel in a one-two-three punch of Winter Massey thrillers released this year, maintains the breakneck pace, vivid characterizations, and intricate plotting that I have come to expect from this gifted writer. Once again, Winter Massey's special skills are needed. A judge's daughter and her infant son are being held hostage to insure that the judge's decision in an upcoming case is favorable to a cold-blooded killer. The woman must be rescued immediately in an operation so covert that no federal agencies can be involved. Winter,somewhat reluctantly, enters the fray as a favor to an old (and beautiful) friend. The delicate relationship that exists between Massey and Alexa, the 'off-the books' FBI agent who seeks his help, is skillfully portrayed, as is the character of Lucy, the kidnap victim -- hapless, but far from helpless. And then there's the Smoot family -- Peanut, Buck, Dixie, Curt and Burt (the twins) and Ferny Ernest -- a colorful and depraved clan of psychotics who give family values a whole new meaning. As in his previous work, Miller hurls the reader along at top speed, careening through more twists and turns than a mountain road, to a stunning conclusion that satisfies while hinting at more to come.