Tracetracks

Larry Rochelle
Zumaya Publications (2002)
ISBN 1894869141
Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (10/06)

“Tracetracks” is a book with its key character, Palmer Morel, who is as unique as his name, a profession as a tennis pro, and a girlfriend, Corky Kennedy,13 years his junior.  This book is one that starts off simple enough, yet ends, with a mystery as unusual as the characters within its pages.  Author Larry Rochelle, brings into action once again the character Palmer Morel in all his middle-aged glory, with plenty of twists and turns in the plot to keep the reader not only interested but hungry for more excitement as well.

The book begins as Palmer Morel, a 39-year old tennis pro, sets off for Memphis to participate in a tennis tournament and a little sightseeing along the way with girlfriend Corky.  What actually transpires during their trip is much different all together and certainly puts a whole new spin on the phrase “road trip.”

During the course of his tennis tournament, Palmer hooks up with a fellow tennis buddy, Ducky, a beautiful yet ruthless lawyer, Monique and finds added into the mix, assorted thugs bent on stopping Palmer and his friends at all costs.  It seems Ducky has access to family papers which have lead him to believe he is in fact a direct descendent of Merewether Lewis, the famous explorer. But, in order to prove said ties, he must find Merewether’s grave and obtain evidence for DNA testing.  Normally this would be simple enough but not when Palmer is involved.  The grave in question is in a remote location with only veiled hints as to its actual whereabouts, and if that’s not enough excitement, there are others who for reasons of their own don’t want the grave found and the body exhumed.  Adding into the action, an all out brawl in a strip joint, encounters with local law enforcement and the abduction of Corky, Palmer soon realizes that there are some serious individuals involved in the search for Merewether Lewis’ grave.

Despite the fact that what the group is planning is out and out grave robbing, given that the courts have refused their requests for exhumation of the body, they continue on with their mission to retrieve the evidence that Ducky needs to prove he is not just a descendent of Merewether but an heir as well.  Somewhat vague directions lead the group to “The Trace in Tennessee” where they soon encounter Park Rangers who are less than agreeable to their plan of grave desecration.  Of course, this doesn’t stop the group, which adapts quite well to the situation and are soon on their way to snatching Merewether’s body and leaving town as well.

The ending of this book is both predictable, as the reader knows Palmer will prevail in helping his friend, but, surprising as well. In the course of his adventure, Palmer discovers that he too has a famous relative that until that time was unknown to him.  The discovery causes both shock and astonishment as Palmer finds his past is much more complicated than even that of his friend Ducky.

I would recommend “Tracetracks” for lovers of a light mystery with a bit of adult atmosphere thrown in for good measure.  It is an easy read, with its colorful banter and quick action and author Larry Rochelle keeps the reader’s attention quite well. Until literally the last page of the book when he leaves us wanting to learn more about Palmer Morel and where his latest discovery will lead him next. 

Make comment on weblog