Paul Wheeler is CEO of Wheeler Enterprises and a pillar of Atlanta society. Julie Rutledge owns a successful and sophisticated art gallery on Peachtree Street. She is also reported to be Paul's mistress. Julia and Paul meet weekly at the famous Hotel Moultie. On this particular day something happens that will change their lives forever. A delicate ping announces the arrival of the elevator. Two elderly women and a young business man are on the elevator when Julie and Paul step in. The elevator slows and a chime announces a stop on the eighth floor. The doors open and a man wearing a blue tracksuit, wraparound sunglasses and a ski mask gets on. He banishes a pistol and tells everyone to get on their knees and put their watches and rings in the bag. Suddenly the pistol blast is deafening - Paul Wheeler has been shot. This is no ordinary robbery - Paul is. The intended target, but why.
Smash Cut
by Sandra Brown
Simon & Schuster
August 2009
The murder of Paul Wheeler is the talk of the town. The wealthy business man died in the arms of his mistress. Who would want to kill him - was it for money or family rivalry? Derek Mitchell is a defense lawyer of renown. He is successful, handsome and despised by the Atlanta Police Department. This is the kind of case that could give Derek more power. When the Wheeler family wants to hire him he jumps at the chance. Creighton Wheeler is the prodigal nephew of Paul and his sole heir. Creighton has a penchant for call girls, fast cars and movies involving murder. Julie is sure he is involved she will go to any length to prove him guilty.
Detectives Homer Sanford and Roberta Kimball of the Atlanta Police Department have been assigned the case. When Julie tries to implicate Creighton they don't believe her and are sure she knows the person responsible for Paul's death. Julie is determined that Derek will not represent Creighton. On a flight from Paris to Atlanta, which she engineered, she compromises Derek by having sex with him. Derek realizes that his hands have been tied in such a way that not only jeopardizes the case, but could ruin his entire career. There is nothing to do but decline to represent Creighton. This does not go well with the Wheeler family, particularly Creighton.
The more Derek learns about Creighton the more he doubts his innocence. There is just something about him that doesn't ring true - he has a dark side - too overconfident and smug, there is one person, living in a shabby motel under an assumed name that knows the truth. To what lengths will Creighton go to prevent this person from telling all: will he try to silence Julie? How does he get back at Derek for refusing to represent him? Derek has his hands full with the police and trying to protect Julie. The clock is ticking to a shocking ending where he seeks to learn if Creighton's fascination with movie murders is a bizarre hobby or depravity. He will not know until the final Smash Cut.
Sandra Brown has successfully woven a tale of mystery and, intrigue. You will thoroughly enjoy the journey. The ending will surprise and shock you. Who is Julie Rutledge - what really is her connection to Paul Wheeler? Who is the unknown man in the motel? Did Creighton have his Uncle killed for money or jealously of Julie? Are Creighton's parents - Doug and Sharon - to blame for Creighton's behavior?
Highly recommended. The book keeps you turning pages and setting on the edge of your seat. You might want to read it in the daylight - the dark will give you nightmares. Ms. Brown is an excellent writer of mystery fiction. This one is a keeper.
