Book Review: Deadly Nightshade

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Deadly Nightshade     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Mary Freeman
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Series: Rachel O'Connor # 2
Berkley, Nov 1999, $5.99, 224 pp.

If Norman Rockwell had seen modern day Blossom, Oregon, he would have hosted his paintings there. The townsfolk know each other so well that no one locks doors. Native born Rachel O’Conner loves her small town and opens the Rain Country Landscaping firm rather than just join the family orchard business. Rachel believes she could never work with her hot-tempered Uncle Jack who knows everyone else is always wrong unless they agree with him. Jack’s reputation for rage leads him into deep trouble when Rachel finds the murdered body of a person who just had an ugly confrontation with her uncle.

The dispute stems from the town counsel and mayor wanting to annex private land to insure developers are unable to deface the panoramic view. Some of Jack’s property would be included if eminent domain is invoked. The local residents seem split down the middle as to whether Jack is capable of killing someone over a land debate. Rachel’s’ boy friend, the Chief of Police, brings Jack in for questioning, which leads Rachel to begin sleuthing. Her endeavor turns dangerous as a killer is not afraid to murder again.

DEADLY NIGHTSHADE is an entertaining novel about life in small town interrupted by a murder. At times, the delightful characters who inhabit Blossom overwhelm the mystery that could have been resolved earlier if not for the charming ensemble. Fans who enjoy a warm tale about small town living will gain much pleasure from Mary Freeman’s novel.

Harriet Klausner

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