Title: A Death in The Family
Author: Mark Pifher
Publisher: MTP Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-578-87429-6
Pages: 494
Genre: Murder / Crime / Fiction Novel
Reviewed by: Carol Davala

Read Book Review

In his debut novel A Death in The Family, author Mark Pifher artfully blends the elements of crime, mystery, and drama into engaging literary entertainment. Here in the interest of mending strained family relationships as a father and daughter investigate a murder involving a local political candidate. Their search ultimately leads to a precarious domino effect of evolving concerns for those around them.

In the aftermath of losing his wife Laura to breast cancer, journalist Tom O’Brien is left to grieve along with his two children, Brian and Katie. Six years have passed, but they are still dealing with broken connections and emotional wounds. As a healing exercise, a counselor has suggested that Tom and Katie take on a shared project. They agree to jointly write a journal, at the heart of which is research into events surrounding politician James Worthy and his imprisonment for manslaughter.

Within a landscape of nefarious political operatives, revelations of sexual harassment and assault, prison retaliations, kidnapping, gangland connections, and motivational killings, the father-daughter duo are determined to unravel the twisting and turning chain of events. With the assistance of family and friends, a dedicated and persistent PI, law enforcement, and associates with a Southeast news bureau, their efforts ultimately give rise to threats, ill-intentions, and unexpected dire consequences.

Against an ever-changing backdrop which moves the story between the primary beauty and expanse of Colorado and Wyoming, the metropolitan hub-bub and oceanside of California and Miami, and the government arena of Washington D.C., the immersive narrative unfolds through the alternating voices of Katie and Tom. These voices are easily distinguished through Pifher’s rich characterization via elaborate detail, pondering thought, and forward action. While Katie is conveyed as a quieter, more sensitive individual, her youthful sensibilities lend her a sense of daring and determination. Tom’s viewpoint as an older seasoned reporter and protective Dad, often seem more reflective and rooted in the wisdom of time, experience, and memory.

Pifher has a knack for weaving genuine, believable characters into the storyline. From the honesty and innocence exhibited by Katie’s friend’s brother, born with Down Syndrome; to the friendly Indian grocer Katie who always greets with concern; to Katie’s confronting her own challenges in dealing with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, such issues are showcased delicately, yet realistically. Such elements don’t rule the narrative, but as Katie observes, “We all have our handicaps, … some are simply more apparent than others.”

Pifher has a solid background in both literature and law and ideally that knowledge and talent come together for this dramatic fictional work. His lengthy and descriptive writing helps render the intricacies of a well-paced plot line complete with a pivotal denouement that gathers up the key participants for a shocking reveal. Likewise, Pifher clearly appreciates the importance of lightening the often traditionally heavy load of a murder/mystery with a little romantic interest for the central characters. Here Katie’s heart flutters come in the form of a gentle and caring newbie lawyer, while her father, Tom, appears to have a distant eye on a stunning star political reporter with The Miami Herald.

Some creative language and word play that occurs between siblings Brian and Katie also adds a quirky spark of comic relief to lessen the intensity of the darker, inner drama. Consider Brian’s assessment of Tom and Katie’s journal project, comparing it to a rubber chicken being pulled from a magician’s hat … “a pullet surprise.” It’s humor that helps readers see a family on the road to recovery.

Though perhaps a bit hefty and detailed for those more comfortable with shorter, fast-moving crime fiction, Pifher’s entry into this genre is truly admirable. Ultimately A Death in The Family proves a well-crafted, audience engaging story, that delivers complex family dynamics amidst unexpected tragedy and mayhem. Wisely, the final revelations move toward a resolve of hope and justice.