Mystery/Thriller Book Reviews
Page Five of FiveMissing Marlene by Evan Marshall
Kensington, June, 1999.Hardcover, 320 pages.
ISBN: 1575664208.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.

This is the first novel from literary agent Evan Marshall. With some cozy elements such as Winky the detecting cat and a suburban background, Missing Marlene nevertheless has some darker elements which give the writing a nice edge. The background of the day to day trials and tribulations of a literary agent makes for absolutely wonderful reading, and Jane herself is a compelling heroine. An excellent start to what will hopefully be a long series.
Mood to Murder by Joyce Christmas
Fawcett Gold Medal, June, 1999.Paperback, 178 pages.
ISBN: 0449150127.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.

The latest Betty Trenka novel has an interesting, darker edge as Betty takes on the angst and misery of unhappy teens in a small town. With some uncomfortably close parallels to the news headlines of today, the story takes a real look at the issue of who is providing moral guidance for today's teens and the sometimes shocking consequences of the merciless teasing of the class nerd. Betty herself is a delight to watch -- she's as savvy as Miss Marple and her detective prowess would give Jessica Fletcher a run for her money. With the subtle sense of humor and the compelling writing style which marks all of Joyce Christmas' books, this is one story you won't want to miss, whether your taste runs to cozies or to medium-boiled detective stories. Highly recommended.
--Claire E. White
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