Solid Mystery, Superb Detective

 

Title: Driven

Series: Leipfold Mysteries

Author: Dane Cobain

Published: 2017

Pages: 247

Genre: Mystery

Goodreads Blurb: Meet private detective James Leipfold, computer whizzkid Maile O'Hara and good-natured cop Jack Cholmondeley in the first book of the Leipfold series. A car strikes in the middle of the night and a young actress lies dead in the road. The police force thinks it's an accident, but Maile and Leipfold aren't so sure. Putting their differences aside, and brought together by a shared love of crosswords and busting bad guys, Maile and Leipfold investigate. But not all is as it seems, as they soon find out to their peril...

My Thoughts: I love a good mystery. When I was young I read every Nancy Drew I could find. As a teenager I sped through all of Sherlock Holmes, and later in college I started to appreciate Agatha Christie. Yet, for some reason over the last few years I have forgotten my love of mystery and snappy detectives. I'm happy to report that Cobain's Driven has rekindled my interest in the genre, and given me another grumpy-yet-endearing detective to love. 

This mystery was woven together with great skill. In true Agatha Christie fashion, no one is quite what they seem, and everyone has motive. Throughout the story several themes prevail, I'll focus on three. First, desperation can drive anyone to recklessness; second, appearances don't necessarily belie personality; and third, humans are not solitary creatures.

In my experience reckless or rash behavior is often the result of someone who feels they have no other options. However, I have also found that there is usually always more than one option, you might just find it uncomfortable or degrading. For example, the death of Donna Thompson was the result of several people who were not willing to "work things out" due to their own selfish natures. Likewise, the kidnapping of a certain assistant, was the work of a desperate man who didn't fully process or problem-solve his situation. 

When Leipfold first sees Maile he makes a guess of her character based on her appearance, which turns out to be completely wrong. Throughout the story characters such as Donna's mother and the theater manager portray themselves as prim and proper out in public, but become quite different in their personal lives. In a similar way Leipfold sees himself as a sort of curmudgeon, toxic to other people, and best left alone. However, as both the reader and Leipfold warm up to Maile, we learn this isn't the case. Which leads us to theme four.

Leipfold works alone. Possibly due to his rather prickly exterior, possibly due to preference. But, it isn't going well, his business is failing, his health is degrading, and he isn't happy. It isn't until he "hires" Maile that his life takes a turn for the better. Maile's computer skills alone could have saved the business, but she doesn't do anything halfway. I loved the interactions between these two as a competent yet unusual crime solving duo. Sometimes just because you can do something alone, doesn't mean you should. 

The only off-putting part of this book was the cursing. I recognize this was the author's choice and that swear words have different functions depending on location. I, however, could have done without them.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed Driven and look forward to reading the rest of the Leipfold Mysteries series. I would recommend to adult mystery lovers.

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