Official Review: The Body in the Parking Structure

[beebee216]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Body in the Parking Structure" by Jerold Last.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Who doesn’t love curling up with a classic murder mystery? I know I do. Now while that's what I was hoping for, I'm still a level 0 on the review team so pickings were slim . I eventually decided on The Body in the Parking Structure by Jerold Last. The brief summary offered a 'whodunit' plot, claiming I would have all of the clues needed to solve the mystery myself. Either I am entirely incapable (which is possible) or these so called clues were written in invisible ink.

Given that this story was only five chapters and twenty eight pages it shouldn’t have been such a slow read; and yet it was. I almost felt like I was reading a student's writing project. That being said, it was a writing project full of untapped potential. The structure of the story was nicely done, and the plot surrounding it flowed easily. Unsurprisingly, it begins with Suzanne stumbling upon the body of an old friend, Eugenio Vasquez, in a parking structure. Surprise reunions are great aren't they? Though they do tend to work better with both parties being alive. After informing the police and her husband Roger, a former homicide detective, the search is on for Eugenio's killer. Suzanne however fears that given his Hispanic heritage, the police will label it a drug deal gone south and move on.

Although neither Suzanne or Roger Bowman currently work for the LAPD, this small detail doesn't stop them from investigating on their own. After all Eugenio Vasquez was a friend. Well, that and he had a piece of paper in his pocket containing Suzanne's name and place of work. This was all the incentive they needed to begin investigating, not wanting to end up like Vazquez themselves. They call in the help of another old detective friend Vincent, and their nanny Bruce to assist them. This is when the story should be picking up, right? Unfortunately despite such an interesting premise, this is where the story hits a slump. To be fair, short stories are the hardest to write, but I feel this story could have been much more powerful if the author had extended each chapter. Even just a few sentences here and there to build the setting could have helped tremendously.

Towards the end of the story, things improve dramatically. Fast paced scenes, clever dialogue, and most importantly a believable motive all tie this story up nicely. Thanks to the undercover work from Vincent and Bruce, the killer is unmasked quite easily. In a Sherlock-esque move, Roger writes his prediction and hands it to the head detective beforehand, a bold move I rather enjoyed. All in all, this story wasn’t the worst thing I've ever read. However, given how wonderful the last half of the book is, I'm annoyed that Last didn’t write the beginning in the same manner.

I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. I'm feel I'm being gracious with that score, and it should be noted it's only receiving it because of how well done the ending was. I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't mind a story that has a bit of a slow start. I would also recommend it to anyone who enjoys solving a 'whodunit'. I'm sure there are many of you far smarter than I, who can find those hidden clues. As for me, I'll stick to watching the Hardy Boys solve them on Netflix

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The Body in the Parking Structure
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[zeldas_lullaby]

Great review! Hey, don't feel bad--I never find the clues!!

Remember those Encyclopedia Brown books? I STILL can't solve them! HA HA.

I thought your review was humorous, enlightening, and well-organized!

[bookowlie]

Nice review! I enjoyed your description of you being incapable of finding the clues or they were written in invisible ink. Hilarious! It's a shame the beginning of the book wasn't as good as the end.

[beebee216]

Thank you both so much, glad someone out there thinks I'm as funny as I do @zeldas_lullaby @bookowlie

[Rachaelamb1]

Sounds like a book with potential. I like your invisible ink description as well I actually prefer not being able to solve mysteries. When I figure them out it's kinda boring.

[Cee-Jay Aurinko]

Lol. I'm laughing at the same thing bookowlie did. Great review. Quite funny and unique. I love whodunits, but I don't think this is a book I'll choose. Look forward to reading more of your reviews!

[bluemel4]

Sounds like the Scooby-Doo squad solved the case and of course the killer could have gotten away with it if not for those meddling kids!

I just realized I am assuming the main characters are on the younger side because you mentioned a Nanny.

Very funny review. Good observation about the stories potential.

[Jesska6029]

I love a good "whodunit!" It's always a little painful for me when books have slow beginnings, but I am happy this one picked up a bit for you. Great Review!