Book Review: Never Preach Past Noon

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Never Preach Past Noon     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Edie Claire
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Leigh Koslow # 3
Signet, Oct 2000, $5.99, 272 pp.

After finding and losing so many jobs, Leigh Kostow decides to become self-employed by opening up an advertising agency that quickly becomes a success. During a winter lull, a tired Leigh needs rest and time to take care of her Aunt Elizabeth, who fell down some stairs at the parsonage. Apparently Aunt Elizabeth was seeking proof that the pastor Reginald Humphrey was a con artist when she suffered her accident. Leigh should have known by now that a broken legs and crutches would not hinder her aunt from snooping.

Leigh can never say no to her aunt and soon follows up on every clue that Beth finds. The night the Pastor is supposed to officiate at a wedding, he disappears. For three days, no one knows what happened to him. By accident, Leigh finds Reginald’s body in the freezer of the animal shelter. The bride’s father admits to stuffing the body there so that the pastor would not ruin the wedding, but he swears he did not kill the man. Leigh and her aunt begin investigating the homicide doing whatever it takes to obtain the truth.

Edie Claire is a bright new mystery writer who appears already to be a master of characterization. She populates her tale with likable people and the feline antics of Beth’s cats. The author also has the chutzpah to make the reader feel sorry for the killer. The fast-paced story line retains a serious tone with humorous interludes to ease the tension and turn the sleuthing relatives into real people. NEVER PREACH PAST NOON is a winning amateur sleuth tale that showcases a new talent.

Harriet Klausner

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