Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Elevator by Steve Janowick is a story of life gone way wrong. Bill Grayson is a legal mediator; he is both referee and judge. This “too good to be true” autonomous deal is possibly too much responsibility for a lonely alcoholic lawyer. Bill is called upon to make a decision regarding the criminal activity of Sam Shaw. Sam Shaw’s once perfect life has been shaken to the core by a despicable violent act. Now obsessed with vengeance, Shaw lives his life in the shadows, a shell of a man. While focusing on Shaw’s case, Bill Grayson cannot escape the thoughts of what his life could have been. As he listens to testimony, he is haunted by his own indisputable mistakes. Both Bill and Sam’s lives took drastic detours; “some detours in life aren’t navigated by our choice, but rather by our will to overcome those choices.” Sam Shaw’s soul is hanging in the balance; will there be peace or eternal torment? The judgment is in Grayson’s hands.

Steve Janowick masters the art of mystery in his novel Elevator. The story line is illusive, it is written purposefully with a mysterious vagueness. Janowick carefully chooses his words in creating his ominous seen and unseen imagery. Elevator is impressively written, you are held captive by the character’s stories. The author plays with your imagination, giving you slight glimpses into what lies ahead. Always sensing that something isn’t quite right, there is a feeling of foreboding lurking within the sinister scheme. The plot exploits your emotions, taking you through joyous excitement and holiday cheer, then thrusts you into a heinous crime scene, a forlorn cemetery, and into the silence of a broken, darkened soul. Just at the precise moment, the plot peaks, and the mystery becomes all so clear. There is so much intricately hidden within this intriguing crime mystery, it is difficult not to spoil it. Well done, Mr. Janowick, you kept me guessing almost to the end....wondering what’s up with Elevator?