Evil Eye

Lori McLeod is a librarian with the Toronto Public Library.

Michael Slade is the pen name of two criminal lawyers. Evil Eye is their
fifth thriller featuring members of the Special External (Special X)
Section of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Dora Craven, mother of Corporal Nick Craven of Special X, is found
murdered in her home. Rachel Kidd, recently promoted to the rank of
Corporal, is assigned the case. Rachel’s investigation uncovers
evidence that leads to Nick’s arrest.

As Nick’s colleagues at Special X work outside of the official
investigation to prove his innocence, a mystery figure—“Evil
Eye”—lurks in the shadows plotting the murders of RCMP officers.
Evil Eye is a psychopath who receives his orders from an African
voice—a voice that emanates from a trophy box once owned by Nick’s
great-grandfather, Rex Craven, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for
bravery in the Zulu War at Rorke’s Drift in 1879. Connections must be
made among Dora and Nick Craven, Evil Eye, and a colonial war fought
over a century ago.

The recapping of biographical information about the two main characters
and their roles in previous books somewhat impedes the flow of this
complex thriller. Nevertheless, as the story races toward its
heart-stopping conclusion, the reader is treated to some fascinating
information about RCMP tradition, imperial history, and Zulu culture. As
a cautionary note, readers who prefer their murders neat and tidy may be
troubled by the book’s gory depictions.