Wavewalker - Stella Duffy

Another of the Saz Martin detective ventures, which emerges out from being a mere whodunnit to a study in characters and relationshps.

Saz has been hired by the mystery "Wavewalker" to investigate Dr. Maxwell North, famous therapist/ healer/ guru. Maxwell, a charismatic man who has a present life where we find Saz trying to insinuate herself.

There is the double narrative style which Duffy uses so frequently. On 1 hand we get a look in Maxwell's past and on the other hand we find Saz's investigation slowly making way in terms of the present. The narrative goes forward and backward in the midst of the little excerpts from the 'Wavewalker'.The portions in the book dealing with the Wavewalker's thoughts as Saz advances in her investigation is lyrical and beautiful, just like pure poetry.

The novel starts like Browning's Dramatic monologues...in 'medias res'-amidst the heat of action. It's a dual murder which takes place making way for the story further.

This novel also shows the development of Saz and Molly's relationship. Their intimate moments are nicely woven in the story to give an insight into their relation.

When you think that the mystery has unfolded itself you are surprised by the sense that something crucial is still left to take place and it does.

Saz is a female dike detective/ PI, her real name is Sarah Martin. Saz enrols for a class of so called therapy ('the process') organised by the famous guru Maxwell North. She's undercover and soon afterwards tries to become the assistant of Maxwell's present wife, only to be discovered. She travels places and also in a way in time to ultimately find out the truth. A truth which is disturbing and horribly scars her mentally and physically.

She discovers the reality behind the strange deaths or suicides that are associated with Maxwell's life. The reason of his staying separately from his wife and the relation of his past with his present and ultimate doom. The book is disturbing in parts but you will enjoy it. It is set in London and San Francisco.

I sometimes feel that the author has a wonderful ability of weaving in threads of homosexuality with her stories. On the other hand I try to think if it's actually necessary. I think Duffy should try to liberate her works from this element out of her life, if it's intentional. This is because at times one may not like the gay themes in her works and since I am quite an admirer of her works, I think it can shoo away prospective readers.

This book builds upon the first of the novels involving Saz (Calendar Girl), and further paves the way for a series.

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