Book Review: Deadly Pedigree

Reviewed By: Webspinner - RAM

Deadly Pedigree     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Jimmy Fox
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Genealogy
Series: Nick Herald Genealogical Mysteries # 1
Top Publications, Ltd; 2001; $14.95; 267pp
ISBN#19299760

Nick Herald is a former professor, now professional genealogist, living in New Orleans. Business isn't so good that he can afford to turn away clients, even a Holocaust survivor bent on vengeance on a New Orlean's matron and financier. When the object of that vengeance hires Nick to hide what he finds for the first client, Nick has some very real ethical considerations to deal with. When he finds the original client murdered, Nick not only has to deal with his conscience, he has to start watching his back.

This is the first intstallment in what will be a new series. This is not a "who-dun-it", but more of a "how-and-why", an introduction to the main characters, and the filling-in of Nick's background. The genealogy background in this series will be fascinating for many; Mr. Fox has obviously done his homework. In addition, New Orleans provides its own background teeming with secrets, corruption, and possibilities for future volumes.

While I found this book slow in a few spots, I think that was simply due to trying to get too much of Nick's own history into the first storyline. I do like his new assistant, Hawty. His background with the University and his dismissal there create still more fertile ground for plots. I see a real future for Mr. Fox with this series - if he can keep his main character's head level and his pants zipped long enough. Get in on the ground floor with this one - it could just be going places!

Webspinner - RAM

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