Book Review: Double Dealer

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Double Dealer     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Barbara Taylor McCafferty , Beverly Taylor Herald
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Humorous   Amateur Sleuth   Woman Main Character
Series: Tatum Twins # 4
Kensington, Feb 2000, $20.00, 256 pp.
ISBN: 1575665077

Identical twins Nan and Bert Tatum may look alike, but their tastes differ. Whereas Nan loathes shopping, Bert relishes store hopping. It is therefore a bit ironic that Nan is the one to visit the overly crowded Gigantic Flea Market intending to buy an antique for her sibling. Once there, she becomes embroiled in a shouting match with the dealer Franklin Haggerty because he refuses to accept that she is not Bert. Apparently Bert and her daughter Ellie had a recent confrontation with Franklin.

The next day, Haggerty is found dead near his van in the flea market’s parking lot. Because of their public spats, the police interview the twins, but ultimately arrest Ellie and her boyfriend Chris. Ellie confesses, which frees Chris. Although the two sisters swore to never become involved in a murder mystery after their last successful fiasco, they dive headfirst into proving their loved one is innocent.

Barbara Taylor and Beverly Taylor Herald have written a delightfully funny amateur sleuth tale showcasing the misadventures of identical twins, just like the authors. Nan and Bert seem very real and the technique of using alternating chapters to express each twin’s take on events adds to the feel of two caring individuals working closely together. The clever mystery is well drawn, but the droll protagonists turn this into a winning novel.

Harriet Klausner

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