Case Study

C. R. Cardin
Evolution Press (2008)
ISBN 9780979741265
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (11/07) 


“Case Study” by C.R. Cardin was absolutely riveting.  I would get so caught up in the suspense that I would forget to breathe.  This story is a Taylor Case Mystery.  Dr. Taylor Case teaches forensic courses at a college.  Years ago, her brother was abducted and never found. Both she and her family have been severely affected by this.  Taylor uses her forensics knowledge to secretly track down sexual predators.  She sees to it that evidence is located and that the perpetrator is arrested.  Until this case, her involvement has been a secret.

In “Case Study,” the son of her family’s neighbor has disappeared.  He is a redheaded child.    Taylor is visiting when she discovers this.  She immediately goes outside and “walks the grid,” while seeking evidence.  She discovers some important clues.  She does everything in her power to track down the boy, but in doing so, she herself gets captured.  There is a very interesting twist to this story.  An FBI officer who is also investigating discovers Taylor’s involvement with other cases.  Her identity is now known. 

“Case Study” contains so many interesting elements that it is hard to know where to start.  The issue of child pornography is a tough one to handle.  C.R. Cardin does it very well.  It is something that is incredibly distasteful, yet a huge problem.  I felt that by reading the story, I was also being educated on the subject.  The author also discusses forensic procedures done to investigate clues.  This was incredibly interesting.  The characters in the story are very well-developed.  Taylor’s personality is very complex.  She is successful and knowledgeable, yet she feels burdened by the guilt of being unable to find her brother.  That is what drives her to do what she does.  The others in the plot are also very interesting.  The insane characters are truly insane, yet fascinating.

C.R. Cardin really knows how to develop a plot.  Just when you think that you know what is going on, you discover that you don’t.  I love this aspect of the story in “Case Study,” because it forced me to stay on my toes.  I cannot wait to read more books in this story.  You must not miss out on this one!