Cracker: The Mad Woman in the Attic

Mortimore's novelization of Jimmy McGovern's screenplay successfully captures the essence of A&E/Granada television's Cracker series starring Robbie Coltrane as crusty Dr. Edward ""Fitz"" Fitzgerald. Fitz is a brilliantly unorthodox psychologist. Overweight and overbearing, he's abrasive enough to scratch a diamond, addicted to gambling and alcohol and fighting to keep together his disintegrating family and professional life. He also carries a passionate obsession for truth that awes and frightens the police for whom he sometimes freelances. Bleak, grimy Manchester is the perfect backdrop for him. This second Cracker book is based on the first TV episode: Fitz attempts to hold his ample supply of demons in check while seeking to unmask the murderer of one of his students. Young, pretty Jacqui Appleby falls victim to a peculiar and vicious serial killer on the train between Sheffield and Manchester. Within hours, the police have a battered and bloodied suspect who either suffers--or pretends to suffer--from amnesia. Appleby's bereaved parents give Fitz the leverage to involve himself in the police investigation headed by Detective Chief Inspector Billborough and Detective Sergeant Jane Penhaligon. The sexual and professional tension between Fitz and Penhaligon keeps this Cracker tale roiling towards its climax. Mortimore ably retains the hard, knowing edge that distinguishes McGovern's screenplays. (Dec.)