Book Review: Stabbing Stephanie

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Stabbing Stephanie     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Evan Marshall
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Cozy   Cats
Series: Jane Stuart # 3
Kensington, May 2001, $22.00, 304 pp.

The past three years have been very stressful for Jane Stuart. Her husband died in a car accident and she raises her son by herself. Jane works at a literary agency where a nervous breakdown is the norm. Her grief has now somewhat abated and she sees a police officer romantically, but nevertheless Jane needs a vacation.

Before deciding where she wants to go, her late spouse's cousin Stephanie calls to inform her she is moving to Shady hills, New Jersey and would appreciate if she can stay with Jane until she finds a place of her own. Jane cannot say no. Stephanie works at the newly relocated Carson & Hart, Inc. whose owner Faith Hart is a Grace Kelly like celebrity. Stephanie believes something is not right on her job and Jane goes undercover to find out what it is not realizing the danger she will soon face.

The heroine of STABBING STEPHANIE lives a peripatetic lifestyle that leaves the reader exhausted trying to keep up with her. The audience also admires her courage and sense of responsibility as she interacts with her son and the family cat Winky. Evan Marshal, a literary agent, adds a touch of authenticity to this dramatic yet homespun mystery.

Harriet Klausner

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