Frostline    by Justin Scott Order:  USA  Can Poisoned Pen, 2003 (2003) Hardcover      Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Justin Scott, author of many successful novels, has penned Frostline, another fast-paced, action-filled book that carries your held breath through to the very last page. If you've read any of Scott's previous Ben Abbott books, you'll already know the protagonist, a disgraced Wall Street trader, now real estate agent. He is summoned to ex-diplomat Henry King's McMansion to arbitrate a land dispute between King and his old hometown neighbor, Vietnam vet Ronnie Butler. Bad relations escalate and culminate in King's new dam being blown up during an elaborate party on King's estate. Unfortunately, Butler's ex-con son Dickie is blown up with the dam. Butler is arrested, though Abbott is sure he did not blow up the dam and his son. The tale is told with great suspense, quirky but believable characters, up-to-date happenings, and with a wonderful sense of humor. I especially liked Abbott's elderly Aunt Connie, living life by her own standards, cocky and full of good advice. Author Lawrence Block says, 'Frostline is the best book in a series that started strong and keeps getting better.' Britain's Literary Review calls it 'smooth, sardonic, impeccably written'. I heartily agree with both comments. I understand Scott has started another Ben Abbott novel entitled McMansion. Can't wait. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews