The Right Side

When times are tough, the last thing I need to read is a story about a war-damaged female veteran who suffers from PTSD.  

But she's tough, as tough as the times I've gone through lately; perhaps more.  

Spencer Quinn (a.k.a. 'Peter Abrahams') is the author of one of my most favorite mystery series, the 'Chet and Bernie' books. Chet, being a dog with a keen mind and a nose for trouble, is the narrator, and his perspective is pretty hilarious. His human partner, Bernie, is sexy, stupid about investing, and a great private investigator.  I've read all of those books, and eagerly await the next.

However, Spencer has taken a side trip into the horrors of war, and what it does to those who serve. And one of those who served is LeAnne Hogan, one of the toughest characters you'll ever meet.

Once a rising star in the military, she's gone through hell, lost her right eye, and suffers from facial scars.  She's tough, sarcastic, and seems to have lost her warmth along the way.  Of course, after what's happened to her, I don't blame her for creating such a defense system.  While in Walter Reed Army hospital, she rooms with Marci, a fellow soldier who has lost a leg.  These two hardened veterans who have suffered so much become friends, and both are dedicated to their life of service to their country.  Just. Like. Men.  

When something happens to Marci, LeAnne leaves the hospital and travels to Marci's hometown in Washington state, where she learns that Marci's 8-year old daughter is missing.  When she decides to search for the girl, a stray dog enters her life and refuses to leave.  The dog, now named 'Goody', is tough and powerful, and she stays with LeAnne through thick and thin.

This was a hard book to read, but not because it wasn't interesting.  It's also not a 'hurried' story; it takes its time.  The suspense is not in the search, but in the telling of LeAnne's bright beginning in the military, and the horror from which she eventually suffered.  I'm not one to read 'war stories', but this particular one grabbed me and made me think of family members who served and came back changed.  LeAnne is a woman, true, but she's a soldier first, and her strength becomes her weakness. War changes everything, and that's why it was a hard book to read.

As Stephen King wrote, "Brilliant.  Deeply felt, but totally under control.  I loved it".

And so do I.  I can postpone reading about Chet & Bernie.  I want to learn more about LeAnne and Goody.

Thank you, Spencer.  This new one just might open a few more eyes.


'The Right Side' , written by Spencer Quinn, and published by Atria Books (an imprint of Simon & Schuster) is available in hardcover at your local library or favorite bookstore.