Trust Me, by Peter Leonard

Review by W. J. Rayment / ConservativeBookstore -Reading "Trust Me", by Peter Leonard, is like watching a Rube Goldberg device in motion. There is a complex machinery of interwoven relationships all set up to create some exotic motion, and it only takes one act of violence to set the device off. Every event is logical, almost predestined. This does not tip the reader off to their occurance, but delivers oh so many of those "aha" moments, making "Trust Me" an immensely satisfying read.

I found myself alternately smiling and dropping my jaw throughout this book. There is plenty of sly humor which reveals the author's deep understanding of the psychology of his characters, and perhaps more importantly the psychology of his readers. Surprises are delivered with a dry manner which increases the intensity.

"Trust Me" is set in South-East Michigan in the suburbs of Detroit. As I live in the Thumb of Michigan, just north of this area, this is familiar territory. It was fun to read about places I have seen. It was a nice change of pace from Gotham and Metropolis.

What I really enjoyed about Peter Leonard's book is that none of the characters are perfect. None are pure good, none are pure evil. The crucial difference in their characters is their varying degrees of trust-worthiness - loyalty to themselves and to others. Also, none are super-competent. The hero makes mistakes, his doggedness is his best quality. It highlights, I think something about South-East Michigan, the people are not the techno-geeks of the west coast, not the smooth, upscale charmers of the east coast, but they are hard workers, smart enough to recognize the main chance.

There is a grittiness to the feel of "Trust Me", yet there remains the suburban/urban feel to things. The gumshoe character gets around in an old beater. Vehicles are an essential part of the backdrop to a plot woven so near the motor city. In fact, the type of vehicle characters drive is a vital clue to their make-up. The female lead, Karen, drives a slick Audi, revealing a sophisticated, exotic character. When a red Mustang appears in a rearview mirror, the reader knows exactly who is driving and the implications.

I don't want to reveal any of the plot. Just that "Trust Me" is not your typical suspense novel; the whole world is not hanging by a thread. Yes, lives are affected, some are lost, but the whole story is told with a lightness of tone that is more likely to have the reader grinning than gritting his teeth. Great book. Highly recommended. Can't wait for the next one by Peter Leonard.

Trust Me, by Peter Leonard is available at Amazon.