Review of "True Evil" by Greg Iles

The South has produced some great writers. Greg Iles is no exception. He is one of the best at telling a good story as he proved in "24 Hours" and "The Quiet Game." In his novel, "True Evil," he once again spins a story of suspense and intrigue.

The setting for "True Evil" takes place in lower Mississippi from Natchez to Jackson, an area Greg Iles knows well. Alex Morse, an FBI agent who moved quickly up the ladder in the Bureau due to her negotiating skills, is faced with the haunting deathbed words of her beloved sister, Grace who accuses her husband of murdering her. Grace beseeches Alex to rescue her son and prove her husband's guilt. Despite the objections of the FBI and doctors that Grace's death was due to a fast-acting cancer, Alex has total faith that Grace was right and begins a search for the truth.

She soon learns that her sister's death is one of a number of mysterious deaths resulting from quick-acting cancers. Convinced that a serial killer was somehow murdering spouses of affluent people, Alex contacts a prominent physician, Dr. Chris Shepard, and alerts him of the possible danger to him.

Upon meeting Alex Morse, Dr. Shepard listens to her incredible theory and her dire warning that she believes he is the next intended target. Checking with a friend in the FBI headquarters, he learns that Alex' last effort in negotiating a hostage situation had resulted in an FBI agent being killed and Chris being injured by a shotgun blast that left her face severely scarred. Dr. Shepard tries to assure her that with the stress of losing her sister, her injury at work and her terminally ill mother, her judgment may be affected and tries to discourage her efforts. He soon feels differently, though, after spending more time with her and learning more about her investigation.

Alex Morse, a strong and resourceful woman, becomes determined to risk her job with the FBI, her reputation and even her life to fulfill her promise to her dying sister. Her only connection is through Dr. Shepard, and she refuses to be turned from her quest.

"True Evil" is filled with interesting characters, page-turning action and innovative storyline. For the reader, there is nothing included that doesn't pertain to the story, an annoying habit adopted by some authors. Everything from the first page to the last page is true to the book's characters and storyline.

"True Evil" is published by Simon and Schuster and is available in paperback.

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"True Evil" by Greg Iles