Diary of a Serial Killer

Gaffney's latest installment in the exploits of defense attorneys Zach Wilson and Terry Tallach manages to make good on the promise of its explosive opening—no small task, as page one finds Zach with mere seconds to save a crowded courtroom—including his seven-year-old son—from the scattered shots of a raving gunman. As time ticks down in short snippets, lengthy flashbacks depict the hunt for a newly resurfaced serial killer thought imprisoned decades ago. While Zach and partner Terry investigate the convict originally held responsible for the crimes, a former suspect and his daughter cope with the media spotlight, retrained on them following the new round of killings, and what may be the watchful gaze of the killer himself. Despite some bland dialogue and generic, B-movie-ready characters—wise-cracking buddy lawyers, a riddling serial killer, an enigmatic crime boss—Gaffney jerks the plot in enough different directions to keep readers alert and entertained. In addition, Gaffney's dry wit and willingness to make light of his more absurd plot twists keep this over-the-top stunner afloat when it threatens to capsize. The legal thriller equivalent of a James Bond flick, this guilty pleasure is best enjoyed with the more discerning half of the brain turned off and the adrenaline turned all the way up. (Apr.)