Play It by Ear

Rating:
Summary: Engrossing mystery suspense
Review: Long, but entertaining reading. The main character, Kelly McLendon, learns his ex-girlfriend turns up missing while she is visiting LA. He discovers that he has a clue as to her last whereabouts. Instead of giving this information to the police, he decides to embark on this quest to solve the mystery of her disappearance. Why is he doing this? Does he still love her, or does he just need some excitement in his life? Very introspective and believable throughout. The missing ex-girlfriend provides merely the thread of plot which grows more complex as Kelly gradually becomes - rather ineptly - an undercover amateur detective. He becomes increasing involved with an interesting cast of characters who all seem to have some hidden motivation as well, but are they involved in the girl's disappearance or not? The first few chapters take a little longer than necessary establishing Kelly's humdrum existence, but overall: Excellent.