Let The Devil Sleep: Part One
The Orphans of Murder
by John Verdon $29.95
Crown Publishing
It’s 10 years since the so-called, “good shepherd” murders. Six people, each driving a Black Mercedes were shot in the head with an unusual firearm and beside each body the killer placed a small plastic animal figurine.
So, someone a little weak on Biblical details, named the case the good shepherd. Though investigated by the FBI, the murderer was never caught.
Now, a budding journalist, named Kim Corazon, has developed a TV documentary called, Orphans Of Murder.
Sleeze television has picked up the rights and put their own touch on the show; its bound to be a hit.
The show will consist of Kim interviewing the family survivors of these long-ago murders; sometimes wives, or children of the victims.
How did they recover, how are they coping? They were all families of rich people, so what is their life like now?
Dave Gurney former NYPD, now retired, bored and whiney from inactivity is called by Kim’s mother with a request to look over Kim’s shoulder, and help her keep a perspective.
After all there isn’t much about murder that Dave Gurney doesn’t know.
Kim doesn’t know it yet but she has stepped on a hornets nest.
At the time of the murders, 10 years ago, the good shepherd sent a Manifesto to the Police.
When the TV documentary is announced, someone sends another Manifesto. Is this the “good shepherd” or is it a copycat?
If this isn’t enough trouble, Kim has just parted from a controlling boyfriend, who has turned into a stalker, making her very afraid. But maybe these nasty tricks are not the former boyfriend, but someone else.
This is the third novel by John Verdon, the first one was, the very readable, Think of a Number, also featuring Dave Gurney. The second, Shut Your Eyes Tight was good, but this one is better.
As for the “good shepherd” murders, Dave always thought the case was not investigated well at the time.
Now, using sources from the old days, and favours called in, he manages to dig deeper.
The first segment of Orphans of Murder by Kim Corozon is aired and the wife of one of the victims is interviewed.
Sadly the show is barely over when she if found dead, with a little plastic figurine placed near the body.
The TV station is delighted, their ratings are through the roof. Kim is appalled and can’t continue, but the shows are in-the-can and the producers will not cancel.
If you’ve read the other books by John Verdon then you know that in the last book Shut Your Eyes Tight Dave almost got his head blown off.
His injuries affected his reflexes and left him with ringing ears. Madeleine, his wife knows he’s happy when he’s working, but now the problems are coming close to home.
When their barn is torched it begins to look like the “good shepherd” will win again. A terrific yarn.