cover image Root of Deception

Root of Deception

Dennis Asen, Asen. Bantam Books, $5.99 (480pp) ISBN 978-0-553-57516-3

In the latest in this series by forensic dentist Asen (Deadly Impression), dental records are a crucial part in resolving this intricate tale but dentist Peter Roberts merely co-stars. The main good guys, including retired-lieutenant Seymour Pinchus, try to nail a wide variety of bad guys, the worst of whom is a pedophile serial killer. When not taking some probably deserved potshots at typical office patients, Aden's writing about dental forensics is informed and often fascinating. His descriptions of the aftermath of a plane crash near Philadelphia will have some readers simultaneously repelled and unable to tear themselves away. Despite the plethora of plot lines and characters--gangsters, cops, politicians, academicians--the weave is consistent and taut, accomplished in delightfully plain, if sometimes grisly, English. (Aug.)