Tabernacle

Rating:
Summary: MURDERIN MORMON
Review: TABERNACLE is one of Cook's earlier works and evidences the immense narrative skill he would hone in his later works. Most of Cook's more recent books have had a crime committed and we go back in time to solve it. In this one, however, the narrative is told in the time it happens which makes for interesting reading.
A series of brutal murders, seemingly unrelated, are rocking the conservative city of Salt Lake City. Transplant detective Tom Jackson from NY City finds himself battling the upper echelon of the city in tracking down and finding this heinous killer.
As Jackson investigates, he finds that there may be a connection in all the killings and it might just involve the Mormon hierarchy.
Cook has created a strong villain in the killer, and his identity is not easily discovered. He also explores the feeling of isolation and prejudice in the staunch demeanor of many of the Mormon residents. Although at times, the pace slackens, Cook still gives us a riveting thriller and commentary on social behavior.

Rating:
Summary: Great Author published too soon
Review: Thomas H. Cook is one of our finest mystery writers, He bucks the usual trend and (except for a couple of early novels) has avoided the dreaded serial mysteries that have killed many a lesser talent (Patricia Cornwall to name just one). This novel catches him about two novels before he was worthy of being published. Compare this to "Chatham School Affair" or "Breakheart Hill" and pretend he never wrote this one.