The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly, known for The Lincoln Lawyers, The Closers, and the Harry Bosch series, displays his literary talent again with The Scarecrow. He utilizes his background in journalism to produce a thriller pitting the newspaper publishing world against modern technology.

Jack McVoy, veteran reporter for the Los Angeles Times, is given his pink slip, but allowed two weeks to tie up loose ends and train his replacement. His position will be taken over by pretty, perky and ambititious Angela Cook. Still reeling from the bad news, Jack receives a strange phone call complaining about a story he had covered on the brutal murder of Denise Babbit, a dancer in a strip club. The grandmother of Alonzo Winslow, the teenager charged with the crime. accuses Jack of not printing the truth. Jack and Angela begin investigating on their own, not because they believe in the boy's innocence, but because they think it will put a different spin on the story. However, Angela discovers a website describing the crime, and further research reveals other murders with similar MO's. When Angela is discovered murdered exactly as the others, law enforcement takes a different look at the case against Alonzo. Eventually Jack's investigation puts his life in danger and he seeks help from former lover and FBI agent Rachel Walling. They discover a link to Western Data, a huge computer server service that stores and protects data from numerous clients. Here resides the "Scarecrow" whose vast computer knowledge allows him access to anyone's data and files, changing and deleting with ease. But his evil deeds reach much farther than mere hacking or spying. It becomes a race between Jack and the Scarecrow as to whom can bring the other down first.

Though private information has never been absolutely secure, readers may find it a bit disconcerting that those with the precise know-how can reach through cyberworld and mess with our lives. Also interesting is how technology is changing the way we receive information, drastically affecting industries such as newspaper publishing.

This book is well plotted as it gradually presents the facts and clues necessary for Jack and Rachel to solve the crime. Mystery fanatics will love it, as will anyone wanting an exciting and compelling vacation read. On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate it a 7.