DEEP SLEEP

by Frances Fyfield ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 4, 1992

Fyfield (A Question of Guilt, 1989; Shadows on the Mirror; as Frances Hegarty, The Playroom--both 1991) is slowly building a loyal readership--mainly of fans of Ruth Rendell's procedurals--and, here, again presents Crown Prosecutor Helen West and Detective Inspector Geoffrey Bailey with a case that impinges on both of their territories: Helen's gut feeling tells her that pharmacist Pip Carlton's wife did not just peacefully die in her sleep; Geoff's fellow officer, the violent-when-drunk Duncan, is the estranged husband of Pip's assistant, Kimberly--who, unbeknownst to her, is the center of Pip's crazed sexual fantasies. When thwarted, Pip attempts his second and third murders, to the despair of Duncan, Helen, and Geoff, who must cope with his treachery while evading blockades set up because of an unexploded WW II bomb discovery. Somewhat more plot-driven than the usual Fyfield tale, with the diverse storylines predictably converging. But intriguing analysis of chloroform--how it works and doesn't work--and a welcome smoothing of the West/Bailey relationship, at least for now.

Pub Date: March 4, 1992

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 240

Publisher: Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1992

Categories: FICTION