Dining with Devils: a Tasmanian Thriller

by: Gordon Aalborg

Published by: Five Star, imprint of Gale/Cengage Learning (April 15 release)

Reviewed by Kathy Perschmann

Dining with Devils follows The Specialist, and continues the story of writer Teague Kendall and his girlfriend, Kirsten Knelsen, a caving enthusiast. Teague is on a book tour in Tasmania, his book, recounting their thrilling escape from serial killer and cannibal Dr. Ralph Stafford in Canada, has been selling well. Kirsten had left Stafford injured and stranded in a cave, and later his blood was found along with evidence of a cougar, so he is assumed to be dead.

This story begins with a bang, when a judge at a dog trial is shot dead; both Police Sergeant Charlie Banes and his friend Kendall are in the crowd. Kirsten is exploring some caves nearby. The investigation keeps Kendall away, and Kirsten is kidnapped from their hotel room.

The story is told from various points of view–one of the characters is Ian Boyd, a druggie and Vietnam War vet and a sniper. He had been hired by Kendall’s vengeful ex-wife Rose to shoot at him and scare him at the dog trials; only he missed and actually killed someone. On the way to check out one of Boyd’s old shacks back in the wilds of Tasmania, Rose and Boyd discover Kirsten chained up. Sergant Banes is helping the panicked Kendall try and figure out who her captor is. They have some blurry security camera footage from the hotel. Then Kendall disappears as well. Bush expert Viv, and his Jack Russell terrier Bluey come to the rescue. Who is the monster this time?

This terrifying tale of insanity and resistance will keep you reading, and the setting is unique.

Armchair Interviews says: Tasmania is a unique location for a book.

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