Book Review: Killing Cassidy

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Killing Cassidy     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Jeanne M. Dams
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Cozy   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Dorothy Martin # 6
Walker, Dec 2000, $23.95, 216 pp.

Sexagenarian American Dorothy Martin has lived in England for three years. Her husband of two years ex-Deputy Constable Alan Nesbitt recognizes that Dorothy has a zest for living, but cannot understand how she always seems to land in the middle of a homicide investigation.

While the happily married duo eats breakfast, a letter arrives from the states stating that a dear friend recently passed away leaving Dorothy with $5,000 provided she returns to Indiana to collect her inheritance. Dorothy knows that ninety-five year old Kevin Cassidy would never have capriciously called her home unless he had cause. Accompanied by Alan, Dorothy returns to the American hinterland only to receive the check and a letter in which the deceased claims someone murdered him and he wants hr to investigate his claim. The medical records state that Kevin died from pneumonia, but a little digging surfaces viable suspects with means, motives, and opportunities to abet Mother Nature.

KILLING CASSIDY seems similar in style to the works of Agatha Christie and consequently fans of the great author will enjoy this old-fashioned amateur sleuth tale. Alan and Dorothy are a warm couple whose sweet, realistic romance proves the furnace still runs. The story line is cerebral and complex with strong secondary characters (including the deceased) adding depth and color to the plot. Jeanne M. Dams creates another winning novel that will send elated mystery lovers seeking her previous works

Harriet Klausner

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