Review: Deadly Interest

Deadly Interest Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Julie A. Hyzy
Class/Genre: Mystery Woman Main Character Cozy
Series: Alex St. James # 2
Five Star Mystery, Hardcover, 385 pages, $25.95

Alexandrine St. James , or Alex, as everyone calls her, is a Chicago television news magazine researcher. She develops stories, gets all the facts together, and lays the file on the desk of the writer who prepares the piece for the on-air talent. It can be an interesting job, but it can also be pretty boring at times. This is her second adventure from author Hyzy.

Alex, sort of in love with the writer she usually works with, has a habit of attracting people with hidden and often nefarious motives. Sometimes she gets in the way of these low-lifes with occasionally violent results. In this particular instance, the situation develops out of her willingness to help her elderly neighbor get back into her own house. It's only a case of mislaid keys, of course, but when the neighbor turns up murdered shortly thereafter, Alex is sucked quickly into a clever plot, that turns deadly in short order.

The book begins with a fine strong scene in which Alex and her station are publicly humiliated at a local recognition dinner for broadcast journalists. These affairs, which happen in real life with great frequency all over the country, culminate of course, in opportunities for rival station staffs to indulge in some outrageous gossip and back biting. Radio and television stations set great store by these awards and Hyzy has written a great opening scene in which her defeat for a top award is described with considerable effect. We learn a good deal about Alex, some of her co-workers, and about her competition, all of which enriches the story, even though the scene has almost nothing to do with the plot.

The novel is an emotional one. The subplot dealing with Alex's romantic upheavals and there are several, slows things down and lengthens the story. At times it almost seems to be taking over. On the other side, the subplot about her relationship with her older sister shows a depth and subtle touch that is excellent. Throughout the novel the writing is exceptionally good and there are a number of interesting characters. I believe this book will be read with great pleasure by a growing list of fans.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Carl Brookins - RAM

Book Review: Deadly Interest