Book Review: The Case of the Roasted Onion

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

[5 stars]

The Case of the Roasted Onion Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Claudia Bishop
Class/Genre: Mystery Amateur Sleuth Senior Sleuths Cozy Veterinarian
Series: The Casebook of Dr. McKenzie # 1
Berkley, Sept 2006, $6.99, 240 pp.

After tenured professor Austin McKenzie retires, he and his wife Madeline move to their farm in Trumansberg, New York, just outside Ithaca. Due to a bad investment on Austin’s part, he has a big loan that must be repaid so he opens up a big animal vet practice. He hires two assistants, Joe and Allegra who are competitive with each other but loyal to the McKenzies.

After receiving an invitation to be the delegate at the Earlsdown Three Day Event from venture capitalist and horse owner Brewster McClellan, Austin accepts because the fee for his services is $15,000. Dr. Grazley who was in charge of the horse Brewster was running in the event is murdered as was Dr. Schumacher who preceded Dr Grazley. Austin believes Brewster is behind the murders because they both owned a piece of the horse and were partners in another business venture. Austin sets out to solve the homicides but it is only when a third member of the syndicate is murdered do the McKenzies and their two assistants concoct a plan to smoke the murderer out.

The first mystery in “The Casebook of Dr. McKenzie” takes place in the same arena as the Hemlock Falls mysteries. This is a cleverly constructed who-done-it with so many layers to peel that the protagonists have to stay alert for any clue because the killer left almost no evidence behind. The love between Austin and Madeline permeates the whole storyline and uplifts the audience to see two passionate seniors care about one another and life in general.

Harriet Klausner

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