Book Review: Carve A Witness To Shreds

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Carve A Witness To Shreds    
Cathie John , John Celestri , Cathie Celestri
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth   Culinary
Series: Kate Cavannaugh # 3
Journey Boot Press, Oct 1999, 259 pp.

Kate Kavanaugh refuses to abide by anyone else’s standards except her own. Her philosophy keeps her involvement in her family’s firm at a minimum. Instead, she concentrates on her own business Around the World Catering. After a bout with breast cancer, Kate knows life is too short not to be enjoyed. Charlotte Oakley asks Kate to investigate entrepreneur Victor Lloyd, whose son is engaged to marry her daughter. An elated Kate, who has solved previous mysteries, accepts the new challenge.

“The Amazon Chili Heiress Detective” as the Cincinnati press dubs her begins her inquires. She meets Victor when her family attends an event the colorful executive hosts to show off his latest project. Victor wants to build a hotel on the Mississippi in anticipation of legalized gambling being approved. However, during the cruise, Victor falls overboard. Kate believes someone deliberately threw Victor off the ship. Although she dug up the dirt on Victor ending her assignment from Charlotte, Kate continues to investigate. When a second murder occurs, the inquisitive Kate knows someone wants something kept secret and she is willing to risk all to expose that person.

CARVE A WITNESS TO SHREDS is an enjoyable amateur sleuth mystery that leaves the audience feeling they have experienced a fantastic reading occurrence. The brave protagonist provides readers with the message that life is to be lived and enjoyed even as she stands on the edge of a decision-making crossroads. Cathie John has created such a delightful series that fans will anxiously await the next installment.

Harriet Klausner

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