Dark Horse

by: Mike Langan

Published by: Five Star (Feb. 2008)

Reviewed by Patricia E. Reid

Dark Horse was really a dark horse for me. This book simply did not appeal to me although it might be very enjoyable for another reader. Nicky Rigopoulis is a personal injury lawyer running for a state court judge seat in Syracuse, New York.

Nicky’s partner in his law firm Lottie Magnarella is murdered early in the book and Nicky is immediately suspected of the murder, although I could not understand why he was suspected.

Nicky is married but his relationship with his wife is very strained. The night Lottie was murdered Nicky was with his married lover–although that did not become clear to me immediately. It seemed like the thread of continuity was lost somewhere along, the way at least in my mind.

As the story progresses Nicky comes home to find a strange car in his driveway, his front door open, his furniture all dumped upside down. This seems not to bother Nicky at all and he drops his jacket to the floor and proceeds to make a drink and look for his wife.

Nicky finds his wife in bed with an opponent of his. The two proceed to have a conversation that lasted for seven pages.

This just seemed like an unbelievable occurrence to me. Some readers may find the story very humorous and enjoy Nicky’s antics, but I did not.

I think there might be an excellent story here if it could be drawn together a little better.

Armchair Interviews says: Heed the reviewer’s words.

Author’s Web site: http://www.MikeLangan.com