Book Review: Mama Pursues Dangerous Shadows

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Mama Pursues Dangerous Shadows     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Nora DeLoach
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Cozy
Series: Mama # 7
Bantam, Jun 2000, $5.99, 192 pp.

Simone lives and works as a paralegal in Atlanta, but her heart remains in her hometown of Otis, South Carolina. She visits her parents Mama and James whenever she can escape. Lately, she has been going home just about every weekend to set up a thirty-fifth anniversary party for her parents although Mama prefers no party at all. Mama changes her mind about a celebration when a local girl dies and the official ruling is a suicide. If Simone helps her prove the girl was murdered and did not commit suicide, Mama will consent to having a party.

The body of Ruby Jane Spikes was found in a motel room with an apparent self-afflicted gun shot wound as the cause of death. Ruby’s godmother refuses to accept the official ruling and asks Mama to look into it. Having solved a few homicide cases, Mama and Simone feel confident they will succeed again (and the anniversary celebration will take place) as they begin their inquiries that place them in danger from a killer.

Anyone who reads MAMA PURSUES DANGEROUS SHADOWS will have a fun time due to the exquisitely drawn characters. The actions of the lead duo are serious yet place a smile on the audience’s lips as if they are next door neighbors. Nora DeLoach is a wonderful storyteller who crafts an intriguing mystery filled with red herrings and numerous twists and turns that prevent the reader from easily selecting the culprit. Fans will remember Mama and Simone as two of the best stars of down-home mysteries.

Harriet Klausner

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