Manhattan Murders ... by the book
From the Nez Perce Indian reservation in Idaho to New York’s Central Park is a straight line right through Bill Diehl’s last and most intriguing lead character, Micah Cody.
There are seven basic ways to die. In 1969 Dr. John C. Cavanaugh catalogued them all in his Primer of Forensic Pathology-Cast Studies for the Novice M.E.
Captain Micah Cody's Nez Perce name is “Youngest Wolf” from his ability to communicate with the animals and read nature's signs. As all hell is breaking loose in Manhattan, the wolves in Central Park howl, the peregrine falcons shriek their warnings—and Micah is listening.
What is better than excellent?
Detective writing at its best. New York's finest specialized homicide team headed by Captain Micah Cody work city-wide to bring in murderers. A particularly evil serial killer works to bring in seven bodies in seven days. Fast paced, incredibly detailed and intense, this is a story I will remember. Truly only a master storyteller can weave so many characters into so many subplots and still keep a keen focus of the plot itself (with all its finite components) at the same time keeping the reader entirely engaged (and not confused - amazing, that). Any serious mystery/detective buff has read this or has it on the list to read.
The research alone is quite extensive in this book taking us into life of a young man from the Nez Perce Indian Reservation to his present life as the head of the Tactical Assistance Force. Added into the plot that keeps it moving is the research into police investigations, how an autopsy is handled and how a proper investigation is run.
...Author William Diehl’s last novel is definitely a testimony to his outstanding writing, fast paced plot with intricate twists, turns, surprises and an ending that you won’t expect or see coming. With the outstanding support of Virginia Gunn Diehl who provided the manuscript and author Kenneth John Archity his final story came to life for everyone to read. Do you hear the wolves?
Absolutely Excellent
Seven Ways to Die was Diehl's final novel, finished by a friend and colleague after his death and published. It is an excellent top-notch police procedural of the first order. If it feels like you are reading what could be a movie, it wouldn't be too surprising as there were plans to turn it into a screenplay. Serial murders in New York City. Bizarre staged murders with a sex crime component. An elite task force run by Captain Cody, a Nez Perce Native American with an affinity for wolves. Most of all, the writing is rapid fire, action-oriented, and hard to put down.
The characters in this novel amuse, entertain, confuse and mesmerize. From Amelie Cluett, the exotically beautiful masseuse, to Victoria, the sexually deviant lover of crime writer and flamboyant columnist, Ward Hamilton, each character packs a punch, adding dazzle to this superb drama.
Seven Ways To Die was William Diehl’s last (literary) love and the people who loved him made sure his hard work was not done to no avail . It was the inspiration of Virginia Gunn Diehl, the dedication of Ken Atchity, the forensics contributions from Dr. Brett Bartlett, M.D., and the persistence and hard work of others that made Seven Ways To Die more than a suspenseful, top notch thriller. It is a labor of love, and like a diamond, it’s a brilliant and valuable gift left by Diehl and his wife to all his fans.
