Whispers of the Dead by Spencer KopeMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A year ago, I discovered a thriller by a new author, Spencer Kope. The book was "Collecting the Dead" and was one of the best and most unique thrillers of the last 10 years. I considered myself fortunate due to the fact that I took a chance on a book that just sounded interesting. I have regular correspondence with Mr. Kope an he is also a very nice guy. So, imagine my happiness while searching NetGalley for some titles and there before my eyes was book #2 of the now titled, Special Tracking Unit series. "Whispers of the Dead by Spencer Kope. I have to say as well, lightning does strike twice.
Whispers is very much the equal of book 1. Probably because Kope's characters are so memorable that you can't wait to catch up with them again. FBI Special Agent James Donovan and Operations Specialist Magnus Craig are very good at what they do, which is solving crimes. But as explained in book one there is a catch or secret if you will. Magnus "Steps" Craig has a gift. A very special and specific gift. He can see the residue that is left behind by killers as well as those they come in contact with. He calls it "shine" and it is manifested in colors only Steps can see. Not only colors but textures as well. A person's shine is as unique as a person's DNA therefore everyone's is different. The only people that know of Steps gift are his partner and the Director of the FBI. Known as the human bloodhound, Steps not only helps those that can't help themselves but those who may be listed as well.
In Whispers, the STU is called to Albuquerque where a styrofoam cooler is left in a judges living room holding a pair of feet not attached to a body. The killer is dubbed the Ice Box Killer due to the cold ice blue shine that the killer leaves behind. After more coolers and more feet are found Steps must out his gift to work and catch a killer before it's to late.
Kope's thrillers are well written and the dialogue is witty and humorous at times. But it is the humanity of Steps and Jimmy that really make both books hum.
Whispers of the Dead will not be released until April 2018 from St. Martin's Minotaur. In the meantime, pick up book one and enjoy.
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