ISBN: 0553581716 Order from:
This amusing tale with deep Southern background has both tedious and delightful moments.
Reviewed by David on September 19, 2004
Genre: Mystery (Humor, Romance, American South)
Synopsis: Sarah Booth Delaney is a thirty-something scion of a prominent Mississippi family. Her stint as an actress in New York having proved unsuccessful, she returns to her old house and plantation, that are filled with loving memories. Alas, Sarah Booth has no money, income or husband to keep the bank from foreclosing on her birthright. Desperate, she kidnaps her friends' dog hoping for ransome. The scheme succeeds too well—the friend hires Sarah Booth to recover her pooch.
Tormented by guilt, but now with some money, Sarah accidentally gains respect as a private investigator. Her new case, however, is dangerous to both her heart and her continued existence.
Full Review: There is some slapstick humor in this amusing mystery, but it's kept in check, and the result is mostly unforced, situational humor as a likable, fallible and decent heroine deals with the exaggerated dramas of social combat in the traditional Southern society.
There is a a supernatural element—the ghost of Sarah's great-great-grandmother's nanny, who can be seen only by Sarah Booth. The ghost's attempts to get the single Sarah Booth to continue the dynasty are sometimes useful as loud voice of introspection. Sometimes, however, they seem to be merely annoying.
The supporting characters are interesting, if occasionally over-the-top. The plot is twisty and a bit improbable, but the humor and an appealing protagonist make for an amusing and satisfying read.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5; Characters: 6; Style: 5.5; World-building: 6; Originality: 6;
Copyright date 1999, Bantam Dell (Delacorte Press), 1999, Mass-market paperback
ISBN: 0553581716 Order from: