Mystery novels are so thick on the ground that authors must work hard to find something setting their work apart on both the bookshelves and in readers’ minds. Jonathan Santlofer has found such a unique stylistic tool — and uses it so effectively — that he has locked it up for personal use, and hopefully will continue the theme in future novels.
In his ANATOMY OF FEAR – “a novel of visual suspsense” – talented NYPD sketch artist Nate Rodriguez shares a special rapport with victims, and has a freaky ability to get the face just right. And in the first chapter, we witness his abilities at work as he slowly reconstructs the face of a brutal rapist. The text contains his interview with the victim, and it is illustrated with nine sketches, slowly building the face from a sketchy oval into a finished piece of art.
But there is something a little spooky about Rodriguez’ talent, too. His sketches don’t just resemble the perp; they are nearly exact portraits. At times, when he talks with the witness, he gets into the zone and is able to draw even more than he is told. It is something not even he himself can really explain.
Because of his special talent, he is brought onto a tricky case that involves another artist. A man is found murdered, and an illustration of the murder scene has been pinned to the body. There are other deaths, other pictures.
A serial killer is stalking people, slaying them and then drawing their deaths. There are few witnesses, and those who have seen something, have seen very little. Rodriguez works with them to bring out what may be buried in their subconscious, and attempts to find the killer by drawing him.
Santlofer depicts this hunt literally. As the police and FBI join forces reluctantly and we read of their investigation, we see Rodriguez’ sketches as they begin to build up details about the killer. In alternation, we also see sketches made by the killer, and get brief, fragmented looks into his diseased mind.
Eventually, the killer and Rodriguez must meet, and the catalyst for this might be Rodriguez’ beloved abuela, an elderly woman who practices Santeria and Catholicism with equal care.
This novel of race hate, religion, superstition and art is a tight and exciting thriller. As the net begins to close around the killer and threatens others, the reader is rushing along to the conclusion, worrying about the fate of characters one has to come care for, but at the same time, pausing to examine small details of the illustrations that liberally pepper the text. It’s a neat thing to do.
ANATOMY OF FEAR is a remarkable – and different – novel that is sure to please, and it kicks off a series character that has that certain distinction which makes a character and series stand out from all the rest. Definitely recommended. –Mark Rose
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Mark,
Thank you for your thoughtful, intelligent, and wonderful review of my novel. It is so gratifying when someone not only enjoys one’s work, but so totally gets it!
Many many thanks.
Jonathan Santlofer