Book Review: Beneath the Ashes

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Beneath the Ashes     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Sue Henry
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural   Woman Main Character   Dogs
Series: Alex Jensen & Jessie Arnold # 7
Morrow, Aug 2000, $23.00, 276 pp.

The call from old friend Anne Holman came out of nowhere since kennel owner and dog trainer Jessie Arnold had not heard from her in years. A frantic Anne told Jessie she was coming to Alaska to spend a few days. That night, a fire rages at Oscar’s Other Place killing someone.

Upon seeing Anne at the Anchorage Airport, she looks anorexic and so different that Jessie fails to recognize her. The scars and visible bruises inform Jessie that Anne is an abuse victim who apparently is running away from her husband Greg. Soon the fires begin in earnest including Jessie’s house with the canine trainer inside. Jessie begins to wonder if Annie is a victim or a culprit causing arson and death.

BENEATH THE ASHES is an exciting Alaskan mystery that focuses on the relationship between Anne and Jessie. The story line grips the reader as the audience wonders whether Anne is a lunatic or the prey of some unknown assailant. Though different from her usual superb Sue Henry mysteries, fans of the series and regional tales will find great joy from this excellent tale.

Harriet Klausner

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