Book Review: Death of an Amiable Child

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Death of an Amiable Child     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Irene Marcuse
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Anita Servi # 1
Walker, Jun 2000, $23.95, 240 pp.

Social worker Anita Servi works for Senior Services. Her job description includes keeping the elderly out of nursing homes by providing them with home healthcare, medical transportation, cleaning, and shopping. Anita lives with her husband Bennie and their foster child Clea in a Manhattan Upper West Side co-op filled with many senior citizens she tries to assist even if it is outside the job.

One morning Clea and Anita discover the dead body of Lillian Raines, who had occasionally taken shelter inside the building. Later that week, two of her clients also die and two others were seriously injured in a house accident. The social worker cannot believe all this coincidence, but the police shrug it off as the elderly being elderly. Unsatisfied with the official response, Julia begins her own investigation, which may lead to her being the next victim.

Irene Marcuse’s debut novel works because the characters seem so real even as they turn the city into a cement jungle. The cast enables the story line to capture the essence of predators and their victims, lonely senior citizens. The heroine is a strong caring person who serves as a role model for community service. The subplot centering on a manicurist preying on senior citizens not only propels the main story line forward, but adds complexity to a deep tale. THE DEATH OF AN AMIABLE CHILD is a haunting work that leaves a lasting impression on its audience.

Harriet Klausner

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