Book Review: The Crossword Murder

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Crossword Murder     Amazon US PB Amazon US TPB Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada TPB
Nero Blanc
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Private Investigator
Series: Crossword Puzzle # 1
Berkley Prime Crime, Aug 1999, $13.00, 320 pp.

Thompson C. Briephs is the crossword puzzle developer for the Newcastle Herald. That is he was the puzzle guru for the Massachusetts paper until he is found dead from an apparent heart failure. No one sees foul play with Thompson’s untimely death except his wealthy mother Sara who insists that her fifty-one year old son was in perfect health. Since the police refuse to listen to Sara, she hires private investigator Rosco Polycrates, who tries to dissuade her from wasting her money since the medical examiner already ruled as to cause of death.

However, Rosco accepts the case and begins to make inquiries into Thompson’s life. To help him understand puzzle makers, Rosco turns to Thompson’s rival and peer, Annabell Graham of the Herald. Soon crossword puzzles arrive that Thompson seems to have authored. The clues to the puzzle point towards the identity of the killer.

THE CROSSWORD MURDER is an inventive, unique novel that shows there are still many creative ways to distribute clues to readers. The story line is clever, uncanny, and entertaining as fans of mysteries solve the puzzles in order to solve a who-done-it. Is this a gimmick-laden plot? Yes, but it works because Nero Blanc does not ignore his characters or allow them to be overwhelmed by the stratagem. The audience will share in the fun of uncovering the killer’s identity along with Rosco and Anna.

Harriet Klausner

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