Reviews:
"In a way, Fringe Benefits is reminiscent of a Wambaugh
novel. It is a tale of police work, the lives and trials and
tribulations of the cops on the small town force of Rocky
Bluffs, CA. It is the third in the Rocky Bluffs P.D. series,
although it is the first read by this reviewer.
"While the book consists of short vignettes of cops
on the job, the main thrust of the novel is the illicit sexual
liaison between the bored wife of one patrolman and one of
his co-workers, which leads to the planning of the 'perfect'
murder. The sex-driven cop, to satisfy his paramour, arranges
the death of his wife to obtain $2 million in double-indemnity
insurance money. They then marry and the plot takes a twist,
which the reader (at least this one) doesn’t expect. It’s
a fast and enjoyable read."
-- Theodore Feit
"Be careful what you wish for, lest it come true. Officer
Cal Sylvester certainly found this statement to be true in
Fringe Benefits. Not only did he wish for another police officer's
wife but he put a plan in motion to make his wish come true.
The death of Cal's wife so that she would be out of the picture
and the proceeds of her insurance to keep Darcy Gordon happy
went a long way towards making his wish come true, but the
dream turned into a nightmare.
"Fringe Benefits take you into the lives and homes of several
police officers of Rocky Bluff a small community in California.
You learn their interactions with their wives and families
as well as their thoughts towards their jobs....
"F. M. Meredith keeps you guessing throughout the book. I
am hoping that she will continue the Rocky Bluff P.D. mystery
series. This is the third book in the series and my first
so I have some catching up to do. Fringe Benefits is a fast,
interesting read and I think the police officers in Rocky
Bluff are typical of police officers everywhere with the same
ambitions and stumbling blocks but I hope there aren't too
many Cal Sylvester's out there."
-- REVIEWED BY PATRICIA REID
"If you are going to commit a murder, it can be helpful
to be a cop. Officer Cal Sylvester’s affair with Darcy Butler,
wife of a fellow policeman, is going into the deep freeze.
Only money will rekindle the flame and Sylvester thinks he
knows how to get it, by collecting his wife’s life insurance.
Of course, there is one little detail that needs to be taken
care of. Enter sixteen-year-old Adler "Patch" Costello, who
runs away from home and right into trouble. In the meantime
there is a dangerous rapist on the loose who strikes every
Wednesday. The third of Meredith’s Rocky Bluff P. D. series.
Lets hope there are many more."
-- 02/07 Jack Quick, Book Bitch
Reviews |