When I heard Paula LaRocque had written a novel, I knew it would be technically perfect, crisp and full of one-of-a-kind metaphors. Chalk Line is all of that and a finely crafted narrative that held my interest from the first page to the last.
Full disclosure here: as a news manager at WFAA-TV, I was fortunate enough to call upon Paula’s skills as a writing coach. She’d similarly helped reporters at the Dallas Morning News, showing them more effective storytelling ways.
Second disclosure: I lived for several years in North Arlington, within jogging distance of the neighborhood where the crime occurs. I worked and played in Dallas where much of rest of the action takes place. I’ve stayed in a certain downtown Dallas hotel (during snowstorms when the news department put us up for the night) that I suspect was the inspiration for the hotel in Chalk Line. I even worked for a couple of years in a Midwestern city similar to Kalamazoo.
Paula’s vibrant descriptions of North Texas places and people are worth the price of admission. But, even better, she spins a great yarn. And, when the action shifts to the Midwest, the story takes on an intensity and emotional depth worthy of the most discriminating reader.
I heartily recommend this book. If there is a mystery lover in your life, this is your Christmas purchase.
I want to read more. Please, Paula, may we have another?
