Denial

Lew Fonesca, a process server and part-time private investigator in Sarasota, Florida, takes on two challenging cases. A resident of a nursing home believes she witnessed a murder that no one else acknowledges, while the mother of a killed teenager seeks justice for her son's hit-and-run death. The cases force Fonesca to confront his own tragic past, as his wife was also killed by a hit-and-run driver years ago. He works alongside his friend and psychologist Ann Horowitz while navigating the complex web of secrets and lies surrounding both investigations. The investigation leads Fonesca through the halls of Seaside Assisted Living and the streets of Sarasota, where he must determine which witnesses are reliable and who might have motives to hide the truth. Both cases test his skills as an investigator and his ability to face his personal demons. The novel explores themes of grief, truth, and the human capacity for denial in the face of uncomfortable realities. Through its parallel investigations, the story examines how people cope with loss and the ways in which justice can take unexpected forms.

Readers appreciate the psychological depth and character development in this Abe Lieberman mystery, particularly the exploration of trauma and its effects. Many note the authentic portrayal of Chicago's neighborhoods and police procedures. What readers liked: - Complex interweaving of multiple plot threads - Realistic dialogue and police interactions - Cultural elements and Jewish character details - Balance of procedural elements with personal storylines What readers disliked: - Slower pacing compared to other books in the series - Some found the parallel storylines confusing - A few readers mentioned difficulty keeping track of the large cast Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (188 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (27 reviews) "The cultural aspects add authenticity without overwhelming the story," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reader commented, "Kaminsky excels at showing how detectives balance personal lives with police work, though this installment moves more slowly than usual."

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★ Stuart M. Kaminsky won the prestigious Edgar Award for Best Novel in 1989 for "A Cold Red Sunrise" and was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America in 2006. ★ Sarasota, Florida, where the novel is set, has seen a significant rise in hit-and-run accidents, with Florida ranking #3 in the U.S. for hit-and-run fatalities in recent years. ★ The character Lew Fonesca appears in multiple books by Kaminsky, with "Denial" being the fourth installment in the series that began with "Vengeance" in 1999. ★ Kaminsky wrote over 60 novels across multiple mystery series, including books featuring a Moscow police inspector, a Hollywood detective, and a Chicago private eye. ★ The author drew from his experience as a teacher at Northwestern University and Florida State University to create authentic Florida settings and academic elements in his works.