Book Review: Murder in Four Part Harmony

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Murder in Four Part Harmony     Amazon US TPB Amazon Canada TPB
Lorie Ham
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Christianity
Series: Alexandra Walters
AmErica, Oct 2000, $14.95, 261 pp.
e-mail: americahouse@ericahouse.com

In Donlyn, California, divorcee Alexandra Walters supports herself and her daughter Jessica by running a boarding house and singing gospel at events at nearby churches. Alex tries to make life feel secure for Jessica, whose father deserted them just after his daughter was born.

Just returning home from a singing tour in Oregon, Lori listens to her voice messages that include long time friend Jerry Web asking for her help. As a teen, Alex had a hell of a crush on the married Jerry. The police arrested him for the murder of his cousin Tony Web. Besides obtaining him a lawyer and bailing him out, Alex knows she owes Jerry for being there during traumatic moments in her life (even if he failed to call her until he was in jail while he was in her hometown). She turns to wannabe lover private investigator Stephen Carlucci for help.

MURDER IN FOUR PART HARMONY is a wonderful debut mystery that showcases a fabulous amateur sleuth. Alex is a complete character worrying about her child balanced against her career. Lori Ham cleverly provides insight into the Gospel singing circuit through her lead protagonist. Alex firmly contends that there are many hypocrites making the rounds. Although several subplots used to make Alex seem human slow down the story line, they succeed in providing a complete picture of the star. Ms. Ham writes an enjoyable novel that will leave the audience seeking sequels.

Harriet Klausner

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