Book Review: At Dead of Night

Reviewed By: Cheryl - RAM

At Dead of Night     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Linda Amey
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth   Thriller
Series: Blair Emerson # 2

This is Linda Amey's second book featuring Blair Emerson, the owner and operator of two funeral homes. These books should be read in order, as there are recurring characters (besides, of course, Blair herself) and the development of their relationships is best followed in sequence.

In 'At Dead of Night', the unexpected retirement of Blair's manager has forced Blair to leave her home and business in Austin in order to run the funeral home built by her father in the small town of Live Oak, Texas. As usual in this series, the behind-the-scenes activities in a funeral home are portrayed sympathetically, including the effort Blair exerts in finding someone who is skilled at working with both the dead and with their living relatives to replace the retired manager.

Blair has preferred city life for some years, but she soon re- adjusts to her home town, rediscovering some of the complications of small town life. Destructive gossip can be even more virulent in a small town than in a large city. Much of the population of Live Oak, having thoroughly gossiped about the situation, is convinced that they know who is setting a series of destructive fires. The police, aware of the talk, but lacking evidence against anyone, will not act. Other local residents are less restrained - and the situation becomes more complicated when threatening outsiders head for Live Oak.

The mystery is rather easily solved, and part of the denouement seemed a little implausible. However, the strength of the book is not in its suspenseful plot, but in the interesting and believable characters, and in the respectful portrayal of the funeral profession.

Cheryl - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Cheryl - RAM