Crown's Law by Wolf Wootan - Book Review

Crown's Law: A Sam Crown Mystery/Thriller


by Wolf Wootan


iUniverse (2006)


ISBN 9780595403611


Reviewed by William E. Cooper for Reader Views (11/06)

Synopsis excerpt: Private Eye Sam Crown only partially fits the definition of the classical PI. In Volume 25, No. 1 of the Reflections in a Private Eye, the official publication of the Private Eye Writers of America (PWA), SJ Rozan, a former president of PWA, wrote an article that attempts to define the mythical meaning of the PI. She defines the default PI as the straight white male, born to power, who gives up that privilege as too corrupting, and remains in the allegorical underworld rescuing others. (Sam Crown has a very rich mother, and though he stays away from her high society life, he does not give up his sizable trust fund; hence he is not poor, a requirement of the default PI.)

Review: Historically, I have not been a big reader of mystery novels. As a career police officer I've often found the portrayal of law enforcement to be, at best, inaccurate and unreliable. As a result I haven't invested much in these types of books. Having read Mr. Wootan's book, I've changed my mind. Not only is this book far more realistic, it's an outstanding read. It is a genuine page turner, and one of the better books I've read in a long time. The book is so well written, the reader can place himself/herself in the shoes of the characters. It mixes suspense with emotion in such a manner that the reader's attention is never lost.

Mr. Wootan takes the characters and develops them and their relationships extremely well and in a most believable sense. The plot of "Crown's Law" is also well developed and unusual. The combination of these elements results in an outstanding book. If Mr. Wootan produces additional Sam Crown mysteries, he can count me as a reader. I've been sold on your work sir. Well done!