Deviant Behavior is a very quick read. With an intriguing mystery, a surprise I never saw coming, a bit of violence, but no sex and no harsh language, interesting human characters and one very talented parrot, this short book is a good one to grab if you want a "light read" with some intrigue.

Basic Plot

Private investigator Thomas Black is hired to look into the case of a missing teenager, Todd Steeb. Everyone assumes the kid ran away. Either to get away from his overbearing father, or because his girlfriend's father scared him off. On the other hand, Todd's still reeling from his uncle's supposed suicide a few years back. Todd's been obsessed with thoughts of suicide ever since, so there's always the fear that Todd's not just "missing".

As Thomas and his lawyer friend Kathy work with Todd's younger brother Buzz to uncover the clues to Todd's whereabouts it soon becomes clear that the family's past is full of secrets, with a crime dating back several decades. How does it all relate to Todd's disappearance? That's the mystery!

Good and Bad Stuff

This is one of a series of mystery novels featuring Thomas Black. I like this character. He's an average guy with a big heart. But he's no superhero. And he doesn't have weird hang-ups or tons of old baggage like many of the other private investigator characters that appear in series of mysteries. You get the feeling that he truly cares about people, especially the kids involved in this story. His relationship with 15 year old Buzz is very sweet. The kid is wary of any adult, but quickly learns that Thomas will never let him down. Thomas's friendship with Kathy is sweet, too. They support each other through all the ups and downs of their cases, and their lives.

There's a subplot involving a mysterious woman that Thomas has been dating. While not integral to the main storyline, it does give us insight into Thomas's character, and shows us just how caring and kind he really is.

So what didn't I like?

Some of the other characters, and parts of the story didn't ring true to me. Like Todd's parents. They're cold, impersonal, and barely any help at all in the investigation. In fact, after they hire Thomas, they pretty much just disappear from the radar. No calls to Thomas for updates, it seems they really can't be bothered from their busy social lives to worry about where their son might be. On the other hand, Buzz cares deeply for his older brother and works tirelessly with Thomas, patrolling the neighborhoods where they suspect Todd might turn up. Then, again, the parents didn't really seem too concerned for Buzz's safety either. Apparently, it's perfectly OK with them, if Buzz wants to keep watch in a dangerous neighborhood at all hours of the night. Of course, we know that Thomas will keep Buzz safe, but still, would you let your 15 year old do this sort of thing?

Some of the other characters are very interesting. Clayton James is a writer whose one major work has achieved a bit of a "cult status". We learn that Todd was apparently obsessed with this man, and his work. Then there's Clayton's gardener, Carstens. It seems Todd had befriended the old man. But when Thomas goes to question him, guess what - the old man is found dead in a well. Did he fall, or is Todd's story getting a whole lot more complicated?

By far, the most interesting character isn't even human. Yes, that's right. Todd and Buzz have a parrot. A very talented parrot who repeats pretty much anything he hears. Here's a free piece of advice - if you want something kept quiet, never discuss it in front of a parrot!

Overall

This is an interesting story, one that is sure to hold your interest.


Recommended: Yes