A Novel with Thoughts and Ponderings

WHITEWASH

Author: Alex Kava ISBN: 0778324400 6/2007 SUSPENSE Publisher: MIRA

Whitewash by Alex Kava

Tallahassee, Florida
Sabrina Galloway is one of the top scientists at EchoEnergy—a company that has made a successful breakthrough in the quest for an alternative fuel. There is the promise of a cleaner tomorrow, and the economic impact on world markets could be staggering. But in the euphoria of excitement, Sabrina makes an alarming discovery: someone has tampered with the production process, and an eco-disaster of equally staggering proportions is imminent. Toxic waste is leaking into the Florida waterways and the Gulf of Mexico.

Washington, D.C.
Jason Brill, one of the youngest congressional chiefs of staff, prepares for the upcoming International Energy Summit. Working for influential senator John Quincy Allen, Jason is eager to prove himself. Despite his zeal and admiration for his boss, Jason begins to realize Senator Allen's support of EchoEnergy, as well as his personal friendship with the firm's CEO, may be more of a liability than an asset.

Sabrina and Jason have never met, but both are unwittingly drawn into a sinister plot, that puts corporate greed and corruption above human life. As the energy summit draws near, Sabrina's determination to expose EchoEnergy's lethal secret has made her the target of silent, faceless enemies.

And the net is tightening, held in the relentless grip of powerful shadow players whose identities. reach Pennsylvania Avenue itself.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Ms. Kava takes a break (at least I hope it's just a break) from her superior serial killer mysteries to write an entertaining psychological thriller filled with political and corporate intrigue.

As I was reading WHITEWASH, I was enthralled with the continuing change of characters and the never ending change of locale. But stepping back a bit and thinking about the overall view of this story, I was less captivated.

While the large, varied cast of characters helps keep WHITEWASH moving, none of these ensemble characters have much depth to them. Furthermore, none of the characters—with the exception of the lead, Sabrina Galloway and her mystifying elderly neighbor, Miss Sadie—are particularly likeable. None are especially original.

Most of the characters, however, work well within the framework of WHITEWASH because the complex, convoluted plot of this story is the real star.

Most everyone is familiar with the slimy world of politics and with the greedy corruption of corporations. Ms. Kava takes these two elements and weaves an intense, intoxicating, roller coaster ride.

From a killer beginning to an explosive end, WHITEWASH will keep readers fascinated. The talented Ms. Kava guarantees a story with some chills, some thrills and some unexpected surprises.

Debbie Jett

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