Spectrum
by Alan Jacobson is a very interesting thriller as it explores
the main character's, Karen Vail's, backstory. Through a serial
killer case that has haunted Vail for twenty years the author
gives insight into her professional development: who were
the people that influenced her, and her tenacious desire to
pursue the criminal. The chapters in the book alternate from
present day back to her first days on the job.
Jacobson commented, "While writing her as a rookie cop
in her early twenties I was nervous at first. But after the
first paragraph I saw how I could explore her attributes and
her life. In the 7th Victim I alluded to why she decided to
become a profiler but now I specifically explain what happened.
I was also able to describe how she allowed herself to marry
a loser husband who was abusive. This sub-plot showed what
could happen to someone who has a psychiatric condition that
goes untreated."
The story reflects themes of friendship, trust, hardship,
and perseverance. Vail's law enforcement career begins in
the 1990s as a NYPD rookie cop mentored by a veteran, Carmine
Russo, who takes her under his wing. She displays the qualities
of courage, confidence, and intelligence while attempting
to examine the workings of the murderer's mind. Unfortunately
her supervisors do not always agree with her assessments,
resulting in her career stalling. After meeting and being
influenced by FBI Special Agent Mark Safarik she decides to
join the FBI, eventually getting assigned to the esteemed
Behavioral Analysis Unit. Now twenty years later, Vail revisits
her first case, the one that tortured her because of the number
of New York women brutally murdered.
Since so many of Jacobson's characters are from law enforcement
he speculated on what they would say in regard to the attitude
toward the police today. "Through my research I interacted
with NYPD old timers. I think my characters would agree with
those who have retired. They are not happy with the Mayor,
who does not seem to have their backs, and the way they are
being depicted. The feelings include frustration and anger
because there is a lack of understanding for the day-to-day
duties. The police are individuals trying to do a job the
best way they can."
Jacobson also wants readers to understand, playing off the
Billy Joel song, that while writing this book, "I was
in a 'New York state of mind.' It started from a trip in 1995
when I made a visit to New York City, where I grew up. You
can take the man out of New York, but you can't take New York
out of the man. This is absolutely true with me. My heart
and soul is as a New Yorker even though I have lived in California
ten years longer."
Spectrum has a plot that combines a mystery with an understanding
of how the mind of a serial killer works. It explores how
these individuals can commit such violence on other human
beings. Fans of Karen Vail also get a bonus because the storyline
explains her backstory.
Reviews of other titles by this author
The
Lost Codex OPSIG Team Black #3
Dark
Side of the Moon - OPSIG Team Black #4
Inmate
1577 Karen Vail #4
Spectrum
Karen Vail #6
Author
of the Month 2011
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