You know it is going to be some sort of mystery crime tale, after all, it is by Fern Michaels. But, it is her sense of humor and insight that always get to me. Easy references to current issues with respect to past events conjure up a memory and a smile. Kids riding in the back of a pickup. This never happens in today’s world of regulations and at times overly cautiousness. Just what were we thinking? It was a different world and in some cases just easier.

PROOF may be the most complicated work by Fern Michaels. There is a sense that we are brought along on a kind of journey. Somewhat mental and emotional. When Luna has an instinctual series of moments we know to pay attention. But the critical issue is what for. Luna is a creative soul, but it is something in her psyche that is keeping her awake. And Luna is indeed troubled by her dreams, which she is beginning to question as well.

Much is going on in Luna's world. Her relationship with long-time fellow Chris is heading in a new direction. Chris is now involved in a rather contentious divorce, with custody of his son at the center. But once again we sense that it is not the cause of her unrest. It may be a subconscious connection to something or someone from her past.

Fern Michaels keeps referencing Luna's relationship with Brendan a friend from her past. They have managed to stay connected for over a decade and all of a sudden Luna can’t reach him. Of course, she is aware that Brendan has a life outside of their friendship. He is married. Has a good career. Has always seemed happy and content in their correspondence. She wonders why he isn’t answering her messages, her texts, etc. Could this be part of her feelings of angst?

The prologue provided a look at Brendan, albeit short and just a glimpse. PROOF is a challenging book to review. Fern Michaels pulled out all the stops and truly flexed her crime investigator muscles. It would indeed be a crime, no pun intended, to give away any substantial details of this story. There is a stunning group of characters with truly diverse personalities. But they all coalesce into what is an amazing cast in PROOF. Dialog is crisp and ready reference to current and past cultural items that provide much humor. No one does character development like Fern Michaels. PROOF is proof of the creative talent of this writer. Fern Michaels is a pseudonym for Mary Kuczkir who says she doesn’t write books, she tells stories. If you ever wonder what this writer thinks about current times you needn’t. It all surfaces in her characters' dialogs. A truthful, honest appraisal of many issues.