Book Review: Dying Well

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Dying Well     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Joyce Christmas
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character
Series: Lady Margaret Priam # 10
Fawcett, Jun 2000, $6.50, 224 pp.

Her parents were the Earl and Countess of Brayfield. Her brother David currently holds the tile and the family estate Priam’s Priory. Lady Margaret Priam had a typical upper class British upbringing, but she has been state side for a decade and resides in an expensive place on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Her title and bloodlines make her acceptable by the city’s elite, which allows her to comfortably live without a formal job.

One of society’s most powerful mavens asks Margaret to look out for her friend’s daughter who is coming to live in New York. Margaret provides temporary lodging and arranges for the lass to work as a society woman's assistant. Lucy Rose appears to be a sweet innocent, but she is actually a manipulative, calculating individual who has set her eyes on her employer’s rich and famous husband. Despite warnings from Margaret and others, Lucy continues her pursuit regardless of who gets hurt in the process.

Anyone who has read a Regency romance will understand the essence behind the Lady Margaret Priam mysteries, which is placing the Regency mindset in the year 2000. Joyce Christmas makes her world seem believable as her descriptions bring life to it. DYING WELL is a fascinating mystery that has only one chapter involving death and related follow-up scenes. The brunt of the tale deals with the events that lead to the murder. Anyone who enjoys a cerebral, character-based mystery will want to try this charmingly original novel.

Harriet Klausner

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