Screams from the Furnace.

Screams From the Furnace

Marjaree Mayne

iUniverse.com, Inc.

5220 S. 16th Street, Suite 200, Lincoln, NE 68512

ISBN: 059515414X $15.95; 303 pages

I have chosen this book to review for several reasons. The author is a friend of mine. I helped with proofing it for her and it is now being considered by another publisher. Due to adult content, it is geared for the older crowd of mystery lovers.

The title alone, Screams From the Furnace, sets the tone for this psychological thriller. Ms. Mayne's main characters, comprised of some of Florida's street people, are well-researched. So well, in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she hadn't actually lived on the streets herself for a time, her descriptions of street life are so realistic. She also seems to have an in-depth understanding of serial killers, at least this particular serial killer.

Although we know who the killer is almost from the beginning, that takes nothing away from the anticipation and dread as he systematically sets out to cleanse his little piece of Florida of every street person he can. Nor does it alleviate the excitement as the street people take it upon themselves to discover the killer's identity, intent on retribution.

Ms. Mayne's use of graphic detail and wording holds your attention:

He took another bite of his hot dog, chili dropping to the wood floor. Alfred looked down at the reddish brown glob of food that had fallen onto the boardwalk by his feet. He set his hot dog down on the counter and, grabbing some napkins, he bent down to clean it up. When he stood back up, he froze, his hand still holding the dirty napkins. The most beautiful girl Alfred had ever seen was walking straight toward him. Her exotic features and coloring, and her tiny, slim body and long tanned legs held him motionless.

Once you have read Screams From the Furnace, I'm sure you'll want to read-another of Ms. Mayne's unique psycho thrillers, Mirror Murder and, soon to be released, Don't Go Alone.