December 1999 Volume 80 Number 12 "serving the protectors"
By Mike Horsfall

THE DEBT COLLECTOR- Lynn Hightower

Home invasion - the quest of the insidious is the focus of a fourth novel by Lynn Hightower to feature Cincinnati homicide detective Sonora Blair.

She’s called to a small house at the end of a cul-de-sac and finds the brutal decimation of an average American family. The house is in a typical working-class American suburb in what would house average everyday people - but why have they all been so viscously killed and apparently tortured?

During the initial investigation it is found that the father (and husband) has been killed, along with his teenage daughter and toddler child. Not even the family dog has been spared. At the crime scene, investigating officers later discover a mother and child hiding under a bed. The mother’s injuries are so horrific she later dies leaving the baby as the only survivor.

The only motive than can be found for this heinous crime is the level of debt that the family has mounted - sometimes debts can turn into nightmares.

The Debt Collector is a chilling and intriguing tale. While some readers may discover early who was the perpetrator of the crime, they will still feel compelled to read each and every page. Released by Hodder and Stroughton the book is available for $24.95.

EXPLORING CRIMINAL JUSTICE - Edited by Rick Sarre and John Tomaino

The more studious among us will gain benefit from the content of Exploring Criminal Justice: Contemporary Australian Themes. This book is a compilation of a variety of thoughts and beliefs - largely the research interests of the contributors.

Commencing with a discussion on the meaning of crime and the notion of justice, the book proceeds through modern policing methods and through to punishment and a discussion of victims of crime. Reporting by the media receives its fair share of discussion and this issue is reinforced in a foreword by Sam Jacobs, QC. “A recurring theme throughout the book is the emphasis it gives to the role and responsibility of the media, and the importance of striking a proper balance in shaping public opinion. This book will itself help to do that”.

Whether you have finished studying or are still deeply entrenched in the quest for information Exploring Criminal Justice will certainly promote thought and discussion. The book is likely to raise questions in readers’ minds - some readers will almost certainly disagree with a number of the notions raised.

The South Australian Institute of Justice Studies Inc publishes Exploring Criminal Justice. It’s suggested retail price is $39.50.

PASAweb   Index & Search   Top of Page   Comments   Email to Editor

The Police Journal Online is an official publication of the Police Association of South Australia and is published monthly. Editors of kindred publications can seek permission from the Editor to re-publish any Police Journal Online article. Copyright 1999  The Police Association of South Australia sustance