Book Review: Death's Favorite Child

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Death's Favorite Child     Amazon US TPB Amazon Canada TPB
Frankie Y. Bailey
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth
Silver Dagger, Oct 2000, $15.00, 272 pp.

Following the deaths of her parents, Lizzie Stuart chose to live with her maternal grandparents in Drucilla, Kentucky. She spent most of her life in the town until the deaths of her grandparents made the full tenured professor need to escape from what was once home. Lizzie arranges to meet her friend Tess in St. Regis, England. However, the trip starts poorly when Lizzie meets Tess' ex-husband, Michael Donavan, a person she detests. Michael asks Lizzie to deliver a package to Tess, which she reluctantly agrees. Not long afterward, a thug mugs Lizzie demanding she hand over the package.

Upon arrival at St. Regis, Lizzie learns that Tess is pregnant with Michael's child. Tess is thinking of reconciling with Michael and though it disturbs Lizzie, she knows there is nothing she can do to prevent it from happening. Soon the hotel owner's niece is murdered and the hooligan who assaulted Lizzie in London begins stalking her. Subsequently, someone rapes and kills an identified woman. Lizzie believes that Michael is at the core of these ugly incidents. She works with the police and a cute American cop trying to prove her theory.

Silver Dagger has earned the reputation for its mysteries written by authors with fresh voices. DEATH'S FAVORITE CHILD provides another well-written, unique tale that showcases author Frankie Y. Bailey as a welcomed talent. The cleverly executed mystery contains an assortment of likable characters that make the story line seem genuine. Readers will want more works starring the feisty protagonist.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner