Book Review: Dancing at the Shoulder of the Bull

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

Dancing at the Shoulder of the Bull     Amazon UK PB
Laramee Douglas
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural
Alligator Tree Press; June 2002; $14.95; 281pp
Classification: Adult fiction (mystery)

John Suarez is a cop in Houston who returns home to the ranch and his family when a police operation goes very badly wrong. He does not want to get involved in police matters again, but when a murder takes place on the doorstep of his ex-girlfriend, he has no choice but to confront his nightmares and solve the mystery.

'Dancing At The Shoulder Of The Bull' is Laramee Douglas' first novel and it makes interesting reading. She tries to create a very authentic sense of place, employing southern vocabulary and phrasing, as well as pointing out some of the social issues caused by immigration.

The mysterious side to the novel functions well, with Douglas creating various motives and interesting ideas. Although Suarez is the main character, the author spends a lot of time portraying the family life of Ranita Hunter and her problems, which are also linked to the main plot.The story she tells is enjoyable and it makes a change to read a quiet, cozy mystery. Those that like fast-paced action will not find it here, but anyone who likes to relax and not read horrifying stories of serial killers should find this book to their tastes.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
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