Book Review: Smash Cut by Sandra Brown

Smash Cut
Author: Sandra Brown
Series: Mitchell & Associates (Book 1)
Publication: Simon & Schuster; Reprint edition (July 23, 2009)

Description: From #1 New York Times bestselling author of Seeing Red comes this thrilling novel full of jarring, cinematic twists and breathless suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat.

When millionaire Paul Wheeler is murdered, his family retains renowned lawyer Derek Mitchell to defend the victim’s nephew Creighton—although the police have not charged the young man with the crime. Wheeler’s mistress Julie Rutledge, who is also a suspect, believes that Creighton is the killer despite his rock-solid alibi, and she’ll do almost anything in her quest to prove his guilt—even ruin Derek’s career. But as Derek learns of Creighton’s darker side, especially his bizarre fascination with movie murders, the more he agrees with Julie’s suspicion. The clock ticks down to a shocking ending as Derek and Julie join forces to find the truth. Has Creighton begun re-enacting cinema’s goriest scenes and, if so, who will be his unwilling co-stars? They won’t know until the final Smash Cut.

My Thoughts: When millionaire Paul Wheeler is murdered in an attempted robbery in an elevator at a plush hotel, the consequences ripple out. Derek Mitchell, a renowned and high-priced defense attorney, is hired to protect the interests of Paul's family. His supposed mistress is also a possible suspect. 

But Derek has a connection with Julie Rutledge, the supposed mistress, the compromises his defense of Paul's brother, sister-in-law and nephew Creighton. Julie seduced Derek on an airplane coming back from France in the hopes of compromising him. 

When Derek learns who Julie is and after taking a strong dislike to Creighton, Derek switches sides, drops the Wheelers, and agrees to defend Julie despite not knowing if he can believe her when she says she had nothing to do with Paul's death. 

This twisty story has Julie keeping a lot of secrets but not nearly as many as Creighton. Creighton is an apparent golden boy who lives a charmed life and is obsessed with movies. He is also a complete psychopath which he has almost hidden from the world. 

As Derek and his investigator probe into Creighton's life, the hidden things begin to be revealed. However, it is a near thing keeping him from completing his murderous plans. 

This one was a complete page-turner filled with action, danger, twists and turns. 

Favorite Quote:

"Do you know what a smash cut is?"

"A smash...No, I don't know. What?"

"It's an abrupt edit. A sudden shift of scene. Used to shock the audience. Very effective. Lots of impact. Packs a wallop."

I bought this one August 18, 2009. You can buy your copy here.