Monday, August 18, 2008

Pg. 69: Sydney Bauer's "Undertow"

The current feature at the Page 69 Test: Sydney Bauer's Undertow.

About the book, from the author's website:
A girl is dead…and not just any girl.

Christina Haynes is the teenage daughter of a popular US Senator, and when she drowns moments after a conversation at sea with her best friend’s mother, Boston Lawyer David Cavanaugh faces his toughest case to date.

What appears to be a straightforward, tragic accident in the waters off Cape Ann Massachusetts, turns into something else entirely as Rayna Martin, a respected African-American attorney, is charged with her murder.

With the victim’s father one of the most powerful politicians in the country and the Assistant District Attorney prepared to put his personal ambition ahead of legal justice, David soon discovers that his most dangerous battle is taking place outside the court room.

Lies, deception, blackmail, threats…and finally the precision of an assassin’s bullet combine to create a shocking finale in this exciting debut from Australian author Sydney Bauer.
Among the praise for Undertow:
“Compelling from start to finish, this fast-paced thriller combines engaging characters, sharp dialogue, and a plot so gripping that the pages seem to turn themselves. A handsome job.”
—Richard North Patterson.

“Terrific legal suspense – a great debut.”
—Lee Child

Undertow is an impressive debut. Written with urgency… The climaxes and about turns and surprises just keep coming until the final showdown… Watch out Grisham.”
Sydney Morning Herald

Undertow is all handled with dexterity and no little style...her locations have the right sense of place, her plotting is economical and concise…Bauer is credibly packaged.”
The Australian
Listen to an excerpt from Undertow, and learn more about the author and her work at Sydney Bauer's website.

The Page 69 Test: Undertow.

--Marshal Zeringue