Book Review: A Killing Gift

Reviewed By: Dawn Dowdle

A Killing Gift     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Leslie Glass
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Police Procedural   Ethnic
Series: April Woo # 8
6/03, 346 pages

April Woo, NYPD detective, and her fiancé, NYPD Lieutenant Mike Sanchez, were attending the retirement party for Lieutenant Alfredo Bernardino. He had been April's boss and mentor.

When Bernardino left the party without his retirement gifts, April rushed after him to take them to him. What she found was him dead. She took off her shoes and rushed out in the dark to find the killer and was almost killed herself.

Jack Devereaux and his dog helped save April. She fears he may be in danger if the killer thinks he was seen.

Mike is assigned the case. April begins investigating when she is supposed to be recuperating. Finally Mike tries to let her help.

The killer used martial arts skills. April had not been able to attempt using hers. He had taken her by surprise and was very powerful.

Then a second victim is struck down in the same place in a similar fashion. Birdie Bassett had inherited her husband's fortune against his children's wishes. They didn't like Birdie and had planned to fight the will.

Bernardino's wife had died a month ago, shortly after winning the lottery. Could there be a connection?

Some of Bernardino's money is missing so they investigate his children, DA Bill Bernardino and FBI agent Kathy Bernardino. They also look into his known friends and contacts.

I like April Woo. She is a fun character with a mother that is a hoot. She is warm and caring but also a cop.

The setting of New York is always an enjoyable setting. These crimes are very believable in this setting.

The friction between Mike and April adds to the story and helps us get to know them as a couple, not just individuals.

This was a new series to me and I am happy I have gotten to know April Woo. I look forward to reading the next book. I highly recommend this book.

Dawn Dowdle

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Dawn Dowdle

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