Book Review: Your Cheatin' Heart

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Your Cheatin' Heart     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Nancy Bartholomew
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Woman Main Character
Series: Maggie Reid # 1
HarperCollins, Feb 2000, 326 pp.

Even when she was nine months pregnant carrying his brother's child, Jimmy Reid makes a play for his sister-in-law Maggie. She rejects him and continues to say no over the next sixteen years as he pops up at any moment, even after he marries. Her life starts to go downhill when her spouse Vernell informs her that he is leaving her for someone else. Maggie's teenage daughter Sheila decides to move in with her father and his new playmate.

Though a bit downtrodden, Maggie decides to hell with the Reids and she decides to finally follow her own dream to become a professional singer. Shockingly, she is a big success and life looks good again. However, as usual Jimmy spoils everything when he turns up dead in her kitchen. The Greensboro, North Carolina Police Department, especially Detective Marshall Weathers, believes Maggie killed Jimmy. Though he feels she is guilty, Marshall is attracted to Maggie, who returns his feelings. However, the take charge female depends on no one and begins her own inquires as to who murdered Jimmy even though she could be the next victim.

YOUR CHEATIN' HEART is a fabulous amateur sleuth romantic tale that will make Maggie Reid and author Nancy Bartholomew household names. The story line is humorous as Maggie narrates her woes, fortunes, and more woes. Though the support cast adds depth and atmosphere to the novel, this book belongs to Maggie, who hopefully will make many more appearances in future romantic mysteries.

Harriet Klausner

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