Proof Positive

When wolves are guarding the chicken house, there is little to fear beyond the security system – a point soundly made by novelist Phillip Margolin in his latest effort set in Portland, Oregon.
In “Proof Positive,” the wolf in question is Bernie Cashman, a forensic scientist who looks in the mirror and sees a superhero, if not wearing a mask and cape, at least sending bad guys off to prison. He takes pride in his appearance and his work, but unfortunately, his work only has the appearance of delivering the truth. He’s decided that a little doctored evidence and a few white lies on the witness stand are dismissible when serving the greater good and giving criminals their just rewards.
When coworker Mary Clark discovers a piece of key evidence isn’t what it is supposed to be, she confronts Cashman, who quickly changes into the werewolf at the front gate. To cover his evidence tampering, the forensic scientist uses all the equipment and techniques at his disposal and begins methodically bumping off anyone who raises so much as a question.
Margolin presents a large cast of characters, several of whom made appearance in previous novels, but without the benefit of the previous stories, it is hard to tell the stars of the story from the supporting characters. It may be more realistic, though, in that it’s a group effort rather than a Miss Marple Marvel single-handedly solving the crimes.
It’s also fortunate that he begins with a large cast, since Margolin has no qualms about knocking off sympathetic characters, even those appearing to be crucial to the solution. His presentation of forensic science will appeal to CSI fans, and the premise of the story raises valid questions about who guards the security system to keep wolves off the chicken house payroll.