The Seventh Survivor

by: Lori Lacefield

Published by: Capital Crime Press (September 2006 Release)

Reviewed by Carrie Padgett

Does Justice = Payment (of any kind). Or does Justice = Retribution + Vengeance? That is the central question of Lori Lacefield's debut novel, The Seventh Survivor. It's an intriguing question and Lacefield is decidedly on the side of Justice = Punishment/Payment.

Palmer Reed, a childhood kidnapping victim, is invited to join the Board of Directors of The Diamond Foundation, a victim's advocacy charity in Knoxville, Tennessee. As she gets deeper into the foundation, she learns the group's real fund-raising methods and begins to peel back the layers covering her decades-old kidnapping. Then Palmer is shocked to discover the lengths some will go to keep her from the truth. When it becomes apparent that Palmer will not stop prying, the enemy increases their efforts. People die, a hit is contracted, and Palmer goes undercover.

While Lacefield is a competent writer, there are too many plot and character weaknesses for me to love this book. No cop would ever behave as unprofessionally as Joe McMann does--and keep his job. I know because I'm married to one.

Palmer Reed falls in love with a reporter who seems to be in the book just to keep her from her now-married ex-boyfriend. Alex Stravato is not developed enough for me to see Palmer falling in love with him. A few details that endear him to her are inserted, such as how milk clings to his chin as he eats cereal. But we never see him wipe the milk off. Or Palmer kiss it off.

The descriptions are vivid and add to Knoxville's character. But Lacefield's dialogue needs tightening up. She adheres to the rule for speakers and teachers: Tell 'em what you're going to say; say it; then tell 'em what you told them. While she never falls into the, "Well, Palmer, as you know, I rescued you from the kidnappers when you were but seven years old," snare, Lacefield doesn't trust her readers enough to get the meaning without repeating it.

The Seventh Survivor is enjoyable, but left me feeling like a Thanksgiving couch potato: overstuffed and with no one to blame but myself.

Armchair Interview says: Read this reviewer's pros and cons when considering this book.