EVIL WILL OUT

Jealousy takes a deadly toll over decades in Szabo and Carey’s thriller.

Michael Wilbert’s relationship with Roger Cullins began 70 years ago. Michael, whose accountant father worked for Roger’s dad, was forced to play with Roger. Michael’s father soon found another job, and occasionally, Michael and Roger would run into each other at social functions. Through hard work, Michael’s fortune grew, and he became a philanthropist. And that’s when Roger’s envy turned poisonous. The philanthropist’s love interests began to disappear or die mysteriously. The latest to go missing is Michael’s daughter, Ava, a talented pianist married to a British lord who is Michael’s business heir. She vanishes at night dressed only in her nightgown. The police hit a wall, so Michael brings in a private investigator. Michael doesn’t realize, however, that betrayal lurks nearby. Szabo and Carey’s thriller is twisty and exciting, but the cast members often lack dimension. The cartoonishly evil Roger needs only a mustache to twirl. And for all the talk of Michael’s keen business mind, he misses several obvious clues. While Michael is fair-minded toward everyone, shouldn’t he have been a little suspicious? And whatever happened to that British stiff upper lip when it comes to Ava’s husband, Luke, who falls to pieces? Also, the prose is often wooden and silly: “You like to kill, and I like to inflict pain. A lot of pain. But I don’t have the stomach to snuff the life out of them. We could be partners and enjoy our little hobby together.” Still, Szabo and Carey’s blend of suspense and horror continually entertains. And the narrative structure is effective; flashbacks show Roger’s hatred building over the decades.

A fun thriller despite its flaws.