Book Review: Dying to Remember

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Dying to Remember     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Judy Fitzwater
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Jennifer Marsh # 4
Fawcett, Aug 2000, $6.50, 240 pp.

The prom is supposed to be the social highlight of a student's high school career. For Jennifer Marsh the time leading up to the event and the dance itself was a nightmare. Big man on campus Danny Buckner broke off with his long time steady Sheena to court Jennifer. However, Sheena wanted Danny back and did everything possible to make life miserable for her rival. Jennifer stoically ignored Sheena until the prom itself. Sheena's scam forced Jennifer and Danny to leave early. While the teens necked in his car, one of Danny's friends came by and asked him for help. Danny never returned to Jennifer that night, forcing her to get her father to come take her home.

Years later, Jennifer and Danny meet at a reunion. Before they can exchange more than a few pleasantries, that same friend from long ago whisks Danny away again. A few hours later Danny is found inside his car, an apparent suicide victim. Neither Jennifer nor Sheena believe Danny killed himself. They begin to investigate what really happened to their mutual boy friend.

Judy Fitzwater is brilliant at creating a humorous amateur sleuth tale that simultaneously tickles the reader while stimulating the cerebral matter. Many readers will successfully guess much of the truth involving Danny, the remaining questions will peak audience interest trying to resolve them. The protagonist is a likable person who involves herself in an official homicide investigation because her uncontrollable curiosity refuses to allow her to sit idly by. Sub-genre fans will gain much pleasure from this novel

Harriet Klausner

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