Two recent murders have people in the Nickel Capitol on
edge. Realtor Belle Palmer becomes part of the investigation
when she discovers the body of a client while showing a
home to potential buyers, and it isn’t long before
the murder investigation is compounded by the search for
a missing child.
I think I grew up with Belle Palmer’s prototype as a neighbour. She’s
feisty, independent, loves nature and does things her own way. As a character,
she’s one that I think readers will enjoy for her unique wit and her strong
personality. And, while I haven’t read the other books in the series, I
suspect Murder, Eh? gives readers a rare glimpse at a more maternal Belle as
she gets to know the son of the third murder victim, before he disappears.
As someone who loves police procedurals, I’m not sure I’m the best
person to assess amateur sleuth offerings. If you’re like me and typically
prefer books that follow the investigation, with that as the primary focus of
the story, you might not find this to be the right book for you. Murder, Eh?
is more about Belle Palmer and much of the book circles the periphery of the
active investigation. While I don’t want to give any spoilers, there was
a moment when I wanted to smack Belle for being so foolish. After your life has
been threatened a few times, one would think some caution would be in order…
However, that’s where the character comes in and balances it out, because
Belle is stubborn and she is independent, and you can believe she’d make
the exact same choice in the same situation again. I hate to admit it, but there’s
a bit of me in that, someone who feels challenged and, instead of perhaps demonstrating
the most sensible course of action, gets their back up and stubbornly goes ahead,
even when you know deep down it’s a bad idea.
If you like amateur sleuth offerings, this is a story that ties all the aspects
together. Things that might not seem important are, and there’s a character
here worth knowing, and an author worth seeing more from.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Sandra Ruttan has just signed a deal for the release of her first
novel, Suspicious Circumstances, in early 2007. A regular contributor
to Spinetingler Magazine, her work can also be found in the July/August
issue of Crimespree Magazine.
For more information about Sandra visit her website
or her blog.
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