Book Review: Since You're Leaving Anyway, Take Out the Trash

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Since You're Leaving Anyway, Take Out the Trash     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Dixie Cash
Class/Genre:   Romance   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth
Avon, Sep 2004, $5.99, 384 pp.

In Salt Lick, Texas, someone murders wealthy but odious Pearl Ann Carruthers. Because of her nasty haughty ways, most of the townsfolk detested Pearl Ann, but who would go so far as to commit homicide has proven difficult to law enforcement officials. Salon owner Debbie Sue Overstreet figures she can have some solid gossip to share with her customers since her former spouse Buddy is the sheriff and on the case.

When Debbie Sue learns that Peal Ann’s family is offering a reward of $50K, she decides to do some sleuthing, but knows she must not let Buddy learn what she is doing or he would take a fit. She also knows she must coax him into revealing insider information without his knowing why she is asking him; the latter is simple as he is a man and she can pretend it is for salon gossip. However, as Debbie Sue stumbles about, the killer keeps an eye on her to make sure that she does not get unlucky because she will die if she learns the truth.

Dixie Cash provides readers with an amusing Texas amateur sleuth second chance at love romance that will have readers loving every move that Debbie Sue makes. The story line is action-packed as the heroine decides that detective work cannot be that hard as Buddy does it so well, not that she demeans the best former spouse in the world. Buddy is a bewildered flabbergasted straight man to the wild antics of Debbie Sue (who converted a gas station into a hair salon). Sequel is in order for this delightful pair.

Harriet Klausner

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