Book Review: The Happy Birthday Murder

Reviewed By: Dawn Dowdle

The Happy Birthday Murder     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Lee Harris
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Religious Fiction
Series: Chris Bennett # 14
Paperback, 2/02, 243 pages, $6.99

Christine Bennett (an ex-nun) was cleaning out some boxes in her basement due to some water damage. The boxes belonged to her late Aunt Meg.

Chris comes across two items. First is a note about a young man who died after being lost in the woods in Connecticut. The second is an obituary about a wealthy man that committed suicide. Chris’ aunt has never mentioned either of these, so she tries to contact the remaining family of each to find out how her aunt was tied to these people. Turns out the young man was a dear friend of her cousin. Both of these deaths occurred about twelve years ago.

In the investigation, Chris finds that the victims, though they didn’t know each other, were wearing each other’s shoes. Since they happened in different states (though near each other) this was never put together before. Neither woman thought much about the fact that the shoes they were given were not those of their relative. Chris begins to investigate and see how their lives might have intersected.

She spends lots of hours meeting people in Connecticut to see if anyone saw the young man and also investigating the businessman’s life to see whether he really committed suicide.

I always enjoy books in this series. Chris is a very likable, intelligent woman. Her husband has become more understanding of her investigations. He is a policeman so he is able to assist her with information in most investigations. Their young son adds a bit of sunshine to each story.

The fact that Chris is an ex-nun always adds to the story. She always shares her investigations with Sister Joseph at the convent. She is always full of great insight and helps direct Chris.

I look forward to reading many more books in this series. I highly recommend this book and the whole series.

Dawn Dowdle

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

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