Book Review: "Boogie Down" by Daniel Serrano

Title: Boogie Down

Author: Daniel Serrano

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

ISBN, PUB Date: 978-0-446-19414-3, November 1, 2010

Reviewed by: Jennifer Shaw for Author Exposure

Detective Cassandra Maldonado is a woman set on improving the life of her son by moving up the so-called ladder in the NYPD. With the promise of a promotion, she manages to nab the Marathon Slasher, only to find out the promotion isn't going to happen. Maldonado doesn't take this news lying down; instead she fights back. When a music icon is found murdered, she finds out that the music business is a vicious machine, full of lies where everyone is hungry for money and nothing is as it seems.

Crime dramas seem to fall into one of two categories for me. They're either cheesy, lame, and lack the mystery that keeps me intrigued or they're super-fulfilling, complete with realistic turn of events and characters that show true emotions. Boogie Down is definitely the latter. I was completely immersed in the character’s lives and the events surrounding the death of rap superstar FYSHBone. Cassandra is quite an impressive woman. With her strong, take-charge attitude, she can handle herself in any sticky situation. As we all know, men usually fill that role, but it was nice to see a woman step up to the plate and kick some tail.

Serrano provides the reader with just enough details to keep you enthralled in this gripping thriller and thirsting for more. If you enjoy reading thrillers that keep you guessing to the very end, then grab a copy of Boogie Down.