Pg. 69: Louise Ure's "The Fault Tree"

The current feature at the Page 69 Test: Louise Ure's The Fault Tree.

About the book, from the author's website:

How do you catch a killer if you can't see him? How do you know he's not waiting beside you right now?

The Shamus-Award winning author of Forcing Amaryllis returns with the riveting, page-turning story of a blind woman's race against a killer.

Arizona auto mechanic Cadence Moran is no stranger to darkness. Eight years ago, she was blinded in a horrific car accident that also took the life of her three-year old niece. When she is almost run down by a speeding car on the way home from work, Cadence at first thinks that she is the victim of road rage or a bad driver. The chilling truth is much worse: Cadence is the only witness to the murder of her elderly neighbor, and now the killer believes that she's seen the getaway car.

Louise Ure paints the glare of a Southwestern summer with the brush of a blind woman's darkness in this novel of jeopardy and courage — and the fine line between them — as Cadence fights to stop a killer she can't see.

Among the praise for The Fault Tree:

"[The Fault Tree], which alternates first-person and third-person narratives with unusual dexterity, is by turns an accomplished procedural, an acute study of a fiercely independent heroine and a nail-biting suspenser. Cade is the best blind detective since the glory days of Max Carrados a century ago."
—Kirkus (starred review)

"The detailed descriptions of dogged police work bring a gritty realism to Ure's second novel. But it's the compelling characters, the masterful storytelling, the vivid depiction of Tucson, and the underlying theme of human frailty that mark this mystery as something special, and Ure as a writer who deserves to be on crime-fiction fans' A-list."
—Booklist (starred review)

"Deeply compelling and original ... a complex but credible plot supported by adroit pacing keeps readers guessing. [Ure] will be a force to be reckoned with."
—Publishers Weekly

"The Fault Tree is an original and gripping work, more proof—as if any was needed—that Louise Ure is an exciting new voice in the mystery field. And its nail-biting suspense is balanced with a thoughtful, nuanced view of where blame truly begins. Cadence is an extraordinary character and Ure's ability to capture her world is nothing less than remarkable."
—Laura Lippman, New York Times bestselling author of What the Dead Know

"Artfully conceived and beautifully written, The Fault Tree by Louise Ure will turn you breathless with its riveting suspense, tug your heart strings with its memorable characters, and leave you glued to your chair until you reach "The End." Ure has created an unforgettable tale."
—Gayle Lynds, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Spymaster

"Like the sun in the Arizona desert, Louise Ure turns up the heat in The Fault Tree, a riveting, fast-paced tale of blind terror."
—Karen E. Olson, author of the Annie Seymour mystery series

"A suspenseful tour de force. It has everything a reader could want: Fascinating and brilliantly crafted characters, blistering pacing, and a story that keeps you in white-knuckle mode till the very end. The Fault Tree is another winner."
—J.D. Rhoades, author of The Devil's Right Hand

"Ure is a writer of exquisite precision and incendiary talent. The Fault Tree is a knockout on all fronts: so rich in voice and suspense that I guarantee it will blow your doors off."
—Cornelia Read, author of A Field of Darkness

"Daring and powerful with a character so unique—you won't believe your eyes."
—Elaine Flinn, Barry Award winning author of the Molly Doyle Mysteries

"Louise Ure's exciting book The Fault Tree is astonishing in its descriptions, its humanity, its puzzle and its audacity. Who but a story-telling wizard would choose a blind car mechanic as a protagonist? But Ure pulls it off and before long I'd forgotten Cadence Moran couldn't see, and knew she saw much more than I ever would. This is a thrilling, satisfying, bold read from a fabulous writer, with a heart-stopping finale. Be warned!"
—Louise Penny author of Fatal Grace

Louise Ure is the Shamus Award-winning author of Forcing Amaryllis.

Watch the video trailer for The Fault Tree, and learn more about the author and her work at Louise Ure's website.

The Page 69 Test: The Fault Tree.

--Marshal Zeringue