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"Handles a hot social issue wih sensitivity"

Port Dare police detective Connor McLean and Gail Cooper of Child Protective Services officially visit Simon Stavig accused by three years old Lily Thalberg of sexually molesting her. Simon's wife Mariah is not only shocked to learn that a preschool friend of her daughter Zofie has accused her spouse of defilement, but his reactions to the allegation is bizarre. Worse she realizes he had the opportunity as he watched the two kids last week. Not long afterward her marriage ends.

Three years later, seventh grader Tracy Mitchell hysterically tells schoolteacher Mariah that another teacher Mr. Tanner has blackmailed her using grades into having sex with him. To Mariah it is déjà vu as her worst nightmare has returned. Still, she does the professionally correct thing and reports it. Connor investigates the accusations even as he feels compassion to a battle fatigued Mariah. As Connor and Mariah come into contact during his inquiries, they fall in love, but his visage represents her two most calamitous moments.

The second novel in the 3 Good Cops mini-series (see HIS PARTNER'S WIFE), THE WORD OF A CHILD, is a stalwart tale centering on child sexual molestation. The story line is believable as the cast turns the plot into a compelling drama especially the reactions of the innocent family bystanders towards a now mistrusted and accused suspect that was once showered with love. With this tale and that of Connor's brother John already providing quality reading for contemporary fans, the audience still has the tale of the third sibling to look forward to from the wonderful Janice Kay Johnson.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted September 4, 2001

2001 RITA Finalist

On an ordinary day, in an ordinary neighborhood, a knock on the door of an ordinary house leads to an extraordinary revelation.

John, Connor and Hugh - brothers, sons, cops...

Detective Connor McLean is the man who came to call, carrying with him a child's accusation. Connor's visit ended Mariah Stavig's marriage and left her a struggling single mother. Three years later, the word of another child brings Connor back into Mariah's life.

Connor knows his investigations can ruin as much as they fix, but he has no choice. He has sworn to speak for the innocent and seek justice for the victims. And now, to do his job, he has to have Mariah's help ? no matter how much she hates him.