Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
The Father's Day Murder
Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Lee Harris
Class/Genre: Mystery Woman Main Character Religious Fiction Holiday
Series: Chris Bennett # 11
Fawcett, Jun 1999, $5.99, 222 pp.
A group of boys living on the same block in the Bronx becomes friends, calling themselves the "Morris Ave Boys". They even wear jackets with colors to distinguish themselves from other students. Over two decades later, nine of the boys remain in touch. They hold reunions, bringing their wives to the festivities. Their next meeting is scheduled for New York on Father's Day.
Former nun and amateur detective Christine Bennett lives and teaches in the city with her police officer spouse. One of her students asks her to assist his grandfather, the prime suspect in the murder of one of his cronies, a fellow member of the "Morris Ave Boys". Christine begins to investigate and finds that she likes all the group's members and their spouses. Everyone seems nice and harmless. As she digs deeper, she begins to find flaws in their perfect behavior, concluding that one of them has ample reason to commit murder.
Lee Harris has the ability to successfully handle a large ensemble cast that leaves the audience feeling they intimately know everyone. The transition between Chris the detective and Chris the mom blend well together and actually enhance the intriguing story line. Even Ogden Nash, after perusing THE FATHER'S DAY MURDER, would say "The Bronx, thonx". Anyone who reads this novel or the other nine tales in the Bennett amateur sleuth series will feel fully entertained and anxious for the next book.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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