Book Review: Pluto Rising

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Pluto Rising     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Karen Irving
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Series: Katy Klein # 1
Polestar, Jan 2000, $8.95, 334 pp.
1436 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, Ill 60607

Katy Klein used to be a practicing psychologist at the Royal Ottawa Hospital, but a traumatic incident made her quit her job and profession. She turned to astrology and opens up Star-Dynamics. Katy is reasonably content with her life as she feels she and her daughter Dawn are relatively safe. However, her illusion of a haven is shattered when Adam enters her life. The psychotic Adam is a former patient of Katy’s friend Dr. Greg Chisholm. Adam demands Katy provide him the answers that he desperately seeks about his childhood. He refuses to accept that Katy is an astrologer, not a psychic.

Katy tries to convince Adam to find help, but he rejects the notion as he feels she is his only salvation. To persuade her to use her ”powers”, Adam kidnaps Dawn, but safely returns the child after meeting with Katy. However, the next day, someone kills Adam. Katy feels guilt for not pushing him into finding help. With the help of her ex-husband and Greg, Katy begins to look into the ghosts that haunted Adam. By doing this, she places all of them in danger.

New author Karen Irving debut is a smashing success as PLUTO RISING is an enjoyable tale starring a likeable character, believable villains, and a troubled individual. The heroine is a strong person who learns from her errors and fights for those she cherishes. Readers will want the next novel published earlier than scheduled because the wait for Katy to return will prove agonizing.

Harriet Klausner

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