Probable Cause

by: Theresa Schwegel

Published by: St. Martin's Minotaur

Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

Theresa Schwegel is the author of Officer Down that won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and was short listed for the Anthony Award for Best First Novel.

In Probably Cause, Ray Weiss is a rookie cop in Chicago. His decided to enter the 'brotherhood' because his father is a lieutenant on the force and Weiss craves his approval.

To be accepted into 'the brotherhood,' Weiss takes part in an initiation that requires him to break into a jewelry store and steal a ring for his partner, Jack Fiore. His problems begin when he finds the body of the store owner. Weiss finds himself involved in the cover-up of the robbery and murder with no way to escape, without implicating himself in the crime.

Fiore makes a quick arrest for the murder, but Weiss doesn't believe the suspect committed the crime. Weiss is unable to let an innocent person be charged with the crime and reluctantly joins forces with Det. Sloane Pearson to break the case.

Weiss receives no support from his fellow officers and becomes the target of numerous acts of violence. He's convinced his 'brothers in blue' are behind the attacks. There doesn't seem to be any way out of the mess he's created for himself, and the most he can hope for is that he escapes with his life.

Schwegel spins a compelling story of the dark side of police work where the 'good guys' are not always good and it's difficult to tell who the 'bad guys' are. Her voice is distinctive; the story is gritty and dark.

Armchair Interviews says: Probably Cause is a riveting read.