Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Stalking Susan by Julie Kramer


Two cold cases spark a hot story for flailing TV reporter Riley Spartz. Although she's as driven and fast-driving as any of her competitors, she's been sidelined by more than ratings. Her Minnesota state trooper husband was killed in the line of duty, a tragedy that has caused Spartz to take time off just when she should be renegotiating her contract.

Then a friendly source, an ex-homicide cop, drops a potential story in her lap. It concerns a possible serial killer who has already killed two young women named Susan on the exact same date, one year apart. The problem is, those murders were years ago, and Spartz must dig through databases to see if the killings have continued and if other young women are at risk. The all-important November ratings are coming up, as is the anniversary of the murders, and Spartz must take seriously her contact's hunch--that the killer could be a cop.

I had read a review of this series and it looked fun so thought I would give it a try. It gave a different perspective into TV mysteries as it comes from the point of view of a reporter as well as a network who is looking for next big scoop. Riley has to balance between finding out the truth and getting the ratings needed to keep her job.  We find out what makes her tick as see the death of her husband through her flashbacks.  It gives her an interesting point of view.