Review: Crime of Privelege by Walter Walker

George Beckitt is asked to investigate the murder of Heidi Telford by her distraught father. The father is sure that certain leads aren't followed because of the long reach of a prestigious family. George also shares a sordid past with the Gregory family that he wishes to never see the light of day, but he's also hoping to find some sort of redemption. His attempt to find the true murderer of Heidi Telford leads him on a cross-country, international investigation where no one is saying much.


Crime of Privilege is a pretty interesting read that will captivate readers from page one. It opens to a scene that is the catalyst for Beckitt and why he must go on his mission redemption. Most of the novel I wasn't sure if I could like someone like Beckitt, but eventually he wins me over. He's under a lot of pressure and there is violence awaiting him at every turn so it's hard not to like someone who's interest in the truth surpasses that of his own well-being. Walter Walker makes him a fully-fleshed character and an entertaining voice with his wit and intelligence.

I was hoping for a little more in regards to suspense or thrills but it just wasn't there. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, I just felt a little let down by it. The moments when our protagonist was in a sketchy situation seemed to breeze by a little too quickly. I'm not sure if I misread the book's jacket but... although it's obvious Beckitt is being trailed by somebody... I never got the sense of suspense in regards to life or death. Maybe that also has to do a lot with Beckitt not liking himself very much.

Overall, Crime of Privilege will have readers turning the pages just to see what happens next. It's a fast, gripping read that will make people wonder just how much clout does one family have/need in order to change the outcome of peoples' lives. I will never know that pleasure but I recommend this novel to fans of legal thrillers. ****