Book Review: Pasta Imperfect

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Pasta Imperfect     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Maddy Hunter
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Cozy   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Passport to Peril Mysteries # 3
Pocket, August 2004, $6.50

Not only does Emily Andrew works for the bank, but she is also the coordinator for the Windsor City Bank Senior Travel Club. She accompanies the members on a tour of Italy, but her luggage fails to arrive with those of the others. Members of the group include Nana, who wants to spend some time with George, but Emily’s mother is also along and Nana has never told her about George. In addition, on the trip is Emily’s ex husband Jackie, who left her to have transsexual surgery and is now married to the man of her dreams.

When they return to the hotel after a day of sightseeing, their lodging is on fire and the group’s belongings are lost. When they arrive in Florence, Emily’s luggage is waiting for her, but her mother volunteers her clothing to the group until they can buy replacement items. The trip turns from bad to worse when one of the group members falls from the roof of a church. The police treat it as an accident but Emily has a hunch murder occurred. When another group member falls down the hotel steps she knows it is murder. Now she has to prove it.

Anyone who likes an upbeat, often slapstick yet cerebral mystery should read PASTA IMPERFECT. All violence takes place off stage as fans of cozies and amateur sleuth novels will find Maddy Hunter’s latest novel a treasure worth reading. The zany support cast adds much humor to a book that has many tense scenes. The audience will struggle to figure out who the killer is, but it is doubtful anyone will guess correctly though the answer is in plain sight.

Harriet Klausner

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