Give Clair Poulson credit for a choosing a unique focus for his novel.  Apparently, according to the dedication, one of his grandsons loves demolition derbies, so Poulson wrote a murder mystery involving participants in demolition derbies.  Very cool. 

As one can imagine, the story has lots of cars and even a scene from a demolition derby.  No disappointed fans here, as readers enjoy smashing, crunching and blown radiators.

The writing in the story was not especially unusual or noteworthy.  It flows smoothly and is easy enough to follow.  A couple of times early on, the main character refers to young women as little ladies and young ladies and such.  It seems inconsistent with the character’s age and personality, but after a few chapters that discontinues. 

The mystery itself really does keep the reader wondering as lots of people with motives and hidden agendas try to protect their own interests.  Poulson also manages to insert a bit of tasteful romance that keeps the reader curious.  By the end, everything is neatly resolved in an almost too short epilogue.  Sit back and enjoy the ride.

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Covenant Communications

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  Many references to murders already executed;  report of character having been cut with a razor blade; characters ram into one another, hit one another with fists or objects and kick one another; characters shot at; characters threatened with various weapons; characters threaten to kill or harm others; character reported to have been killed in auto accident.

Sex/Nudity:  Report of a married character attempting to put his hands on an unmarried character; non-married characters kiss on cheeks and lips, hold hands and embrace.

Mature Subject Matter:

Addiction, greed, theft, death of family member and friend.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

One adult character is an alcoholic and is found in various states of inebriation, including the consumption of whiskey.