McMansion

Justin Scott
Poisoned Pen Press (2006)
ISBN 159058063X
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (7/06)

Fans of Ben Abbott have been eagerly awaiting the third book of his adventures as a Real Estate Broker and Private Detective.  Finally the wait is over.  Justin Scott brought us “McMansion.”

The name alone sparks interest.  When we think of the word Mc………., we begin to consider fast food.  When you go to certain fast food restaurants they really don’t like it if you order things “your way”.  Their product is mass produced, all alike and all fast.  So it is with “McMansion” - Mansions built from the same set of floor plans with a little embellishment here and there.

Newbury, Connecticut is the home of the McMansion. Much to some citizen’s chagrin, a greedy developer’s plan is to get richer off of poorly constructed 5 bedroom homes that give the appearance of mansions.  The Earth Liberation Front (also known as E.L.F.) is determined to discourage the developer and prospective owners.

Ben Abbott is called to the scene when Billy Tiller is found murdered under a bulldozer in the McMansion development project.  The primary suspect was a supporter of Earth Liberation Front (E.L.F.) and found sitting on the bulldozer by the resident state trooper.  Ben has been asked by the defense attorney to assist in the investigation hopefully to find evidence that will lead to reasonable doubt.  Abbott soon discovers that many had reason to hate Billy Tiller.

Abbott is an interesting character - canny and engaging, but I found the other characters less so.  The plot is captivating with many twists and turns that will take the reader on quite a ride.

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