Book Review: Lights Out Tonight

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Lights Out Tonight     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Mary Jane Clark
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth   Serial Killer
Series: KEY Evening News Room # 9
St. Martin's, Jul 2006, $23.95

Thirty-four years old Key News film and theater critic Caroline Enright travels to the Berkshire Mountains to do a piece on the Warrenstown Summer Playhouse in Warrenstown, Massachusetts. Her new spouse Nick will accompany her as Caroline hopes this trip will enable her to find some common ground with her hostile twenty year old stepdaughter Meg, who has a minor role in a play headed by the Oscar-winning actress Belinda Winthrop.

The play opens to rousing accolades from everyone. However, not long afterward, the star vanishes. Unable to resist, Caroline investigates what happened to Belinda and why. As others associated with the production are murdered and the cops fumble, Caroline realizes that the belligerent Meg is on the short list of a serial killer who is ruthless, diabolical and deadly.

The latest Key News investigative thriller (see DANCING IN THE DARK) is a delightful tale that works because of the strong fully developed characters and the serene backdrop that serves as a contrast to the homicides. The story line is filled with twists and red herrings so that Mary Jane Clark keeps her audience alert wondering what will happen next.. Fans will appreciate this wonderful suspense thriller that never decelerates until the final climatic curtain call.

Harriet Klausner

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