Signal 30

J. T. Twerell
Living Word Publications (2010)
ISBN 9781936517060
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (11/10)

 

“Signal 30” masterfully combines passion, discovery, and deep insight to create an action-packed investigative story of suspense, deduction, and intrigue. 

In the midst of a delayed family Christmas celebration, Officer Shane Murphy receives a call to report at the scene of a signal 30 call. The call involves an apparent mail bomb explosion in a quiet New Jersey suburb. A twelve-year-old girl is rushed to the hospital to fight for her life, as a result of the explosion. Faced with an irate wife and the threat of an impending divorce, he answers the call.

Murphy is assigned as Major Case Investigator for the case and is soon involved in solving a series of holiday bombings. Within hours of the second bombing, numerous governmental investigative agencies have their agents at the crime scenes to add their area of expertise to apprehending the perpetrator.

Murphy is thwarted in his investigation by an inept chief of police, an aggressive investigative reporter with a personal vendetta to get back at him, as well as the competition for authority and power of the representatives from the FBI, ATF, and Homeland Security.

Terrorism, vindictive revenge, the possibility of copy cat bombers, and a suspect with a crazed fantasy of mission all add to the conflict, suspense, and surprise of this fast-moving plot.

Twerell’s background as a professional psychologist adds credibility to the profound insight into and depth of his character development. Several key characters carry into their adult lives the deep scars of verbal and physical abuse by their fathers during the formative years of their childhood. The book includes graphic language and descriptions that often accompany police and crime stories in the genre.

Twerell’s writing is riveting in “Signal 30.” He combines superb character development, and believable dialog, with a strong fast-moving plot. These elements guarantee an enjoyable read. They also insure the addition a host of new readers to his growing fan base.

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