The Fault Tree

by: Louise Ure

Published by: St Martins

Reviewed by Diane A Brown

A blind person as a witness? Not possible…or is it?

Cadence Moran felt confident in her position as an auto mechanic. She often worked after hours when the shop was quiet. It had been a long day and Cadence was ready to go home and relax. A wave of Arizona heat rose from the sidewalk as she locked the door. Cadence followed the familiar routine, while listening for traffic and footsteps. Something curious caught her attention–a voice pleading for help, running footsteps, laughter, doors slamming…. Suddenly an idling engine roars to life. Cadence, in the center of the street, hears the vehicle speed in her direction. With only seconds to spare, she leaps for the curb, breaking her cane as she falls. Trembling, her world of darkness is invaded with pain and fear. Would they be back?

Cadence soon learns that someone in her neighborhood had been murdered, stabbed to death, near the time she was coming home. She decides to stay out of it. Besides, what could a blind person offer? However, when she finds out it was a well-known and beloved senior citizen, she decides to come forth.

Entering the police station, accompanied by an officer, she counts the steps to the elevator. Keenly aware, she focuses on voices, and cologne. The interview was short and sweet. Cadence knew by the patronizing tone of voice that the police officer didn’t think the information she offered could help. What was she thinking–the sound of the engine, the smell of antifreeze, running footsteps, a call for help? She felt useless.

Unawares that a perilous journey lay ahead, Cadence returns home….

The trail is difficult for the over-worked detectives to follow. Pressure to get information and come up with suspects is overwhelming. Just when they think the case is solved, they are back at square one. When they turn for assistance to Candace and her heightened senses, they discover more than they bargained for.

Armchair Interviews says: The Fault Tree is non-stop action!

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