Book Review: Dreams of Jeannie and Other Stories

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Dreams of Jeannie and Other Stories     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Catherine Dain
Class/Genre:   Mystery   [Short Stories]
Five Star, Aug 2003, $25.95, 204 pp.

This engaging eleven story and one essay collection stars female sleuths for the most part who were prime players in Catherine Dain novels. The Mariana Morgan story is a delightful paranormal mystery that is a wonderful follow-up to ANGEL IN THE DARK. There are three Freddie O’Neal contributions that display how delightful a protagonist she is. However, the coup of this anthology is Faith Cassidy, who stars in five of the tales. Two other stories are also included.

This is a strong collection that will send readers seeking novels by Ms. Dain especially starring the three females listed above. The essay is an interesting analysis of the roles of women fictional detectives. The fables were all published since 1990 with several in popular books so that these will be familiar to fans of short sleuthing stories. Still in one collection, readers will find plenty of enjoyment following the exploits of Ms. Dain’s delightful distaff detectives who star in DREAMS OF JEANNIE AND OTHER STORIES.

Harriet Klausner

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