BOOKENDS BOOK REVIEW

‘Angle of Death’ (AltPublish, 2021, 192 pages, $6.99) by William Gensburger is the second novel in the ‘Mackenzie (Maxie) Michaels Mystery’ series. In ‘Angle of Death,’ celebrity detective Maxie leaves Texas to investigate the kidnapping of 28-year-old Jennifer Marcel. Her return to Hollywood includes the unfortunate situation where she must stay in the home of actor Brad Paschal, her ex-husband and Marcel’s boyfriend. Meanwhile, an even bigger threat to Maxie arises after the terrorist Maxie apprehended in Book 1, Ahmad Hassan, escapes law enforcement during his transport to a different prison. While both storylines figure prominently in the book, the primary focus in Book 2 is the kidnapping case.

Three familiar characters from Book 1 accompany Maxie to California to solve the case: Devin Parker, an investigative reporter and Maxie’s love interest, Kobe Jameson, Maxie’s partner, and Tyson, an at-risk teen who Jameson mentors. The complex web of Maxie’s relationships adds depth to the story. Her deepening fondness for Devin, and respect for fellow detective, Kobe Jameson, provides a stark contrast to her attitude toward Brad, who clings to the idea that he might rekindle a romance with Maxie, despite her clear dislike for him. Gensburger also explores the darkest recesses of humanity through the nefarious actions of Hassan and his followers. This is offset by young Tyson’s delight in Paschal’s mansion, which provides levity and humor to the storyline.

Reminiscent of Michael Connelly’s depiction of Los Angeles, Gensburger infuses the pages of ‘Angle of Death’ with the glamorous life of the uber-rich, and the not-so-glamorous reality of the smoggy air of the “City of Angels.” Maxie’s opinion of Hollywood is that every-

‘Angle of Death’ by William Gensburger

thing looks pretty, but there’s a lot of emptiness hidden within. She could have very well said the same thing about her ex-husband.

Throughout the tale, Maxie’s reputation as a kick-ass detective is solidified as she investigates Jennifer’s disappearance. The lack of a ransom request, coupled with Pascal’s descent into alcoholism, casts suspicion as to the actor’s role in his girlfriend’s disappearance. But delightful plot twists abound that keep readers guessing. ‘Angle of Death’s’ fast pace makes it a perfect summer read.

Jennifer Marcel’s kidnapping case is solved in Book 2 and the groundwork is laid for the last novel in the series where Maxie, Devin, and Kobe will face a nuclear threat masterminded by Hassan. In Book 3, Maxie will have to thwart the one called ‘The Extremist’ as he sets out to destroy all of Los Angeles.

William Gensburger is the author of ‘Texas Dead,’ the award-winning first novel in the Mackenzie Michaels trilogy, ‘Distant Rumors,’ an anthology of 16 stories about life and death, and ‘Homo Idiotus,’ a collection of published newspaper editorials. He’s the former publisher of The Concordian, a monthly community newspaper, a proficient graphic designer, and photographer. He’s currently working on the third and final novel in the Mackenzie Michaels series ‘The Extremist.’ To learn more, visit http://www.misterwriter.com.

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