Book Review: Heirs and Parents

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Heirs and Parents     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Ralph M. McInerny
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Andrew Broom # 6
St. Martin’s, Jun 2000, $23.95, 240 pp.

On the surface, Wyler, Indiana is a quiet town where everyone knows their neighbors. Homes and cars are never locked and the crime rate is so low it is statistically insignificant. Beneath the veneer of friendliness, Wyler shares much of the social ills beleaguering the nation. There are two competent attorneys living in town, Andrew Broom and Frank McGough, who loath each other. Their feelings towards one other causes Andrew’s partner, and Frank’s daughter to hide their romance.

Two events shake up the townsfolk. Someone slashes the throat of Andrew’s law clerk with her corpse found inside the car of cemetery worker Will Foley. Since the married Will also had an affair with the victim, the police have enough circumstantial evidence to arrest Will. Andrew’s nephew accepts the defense role because he believes his client is being framed.

The town is also burying its wealthiest citizens. Frank is handling the affluent estate, but Andrew throws a curve when he produces the grieving widow with a will that gives the multi-million dollar estate to her. The feud is just starting to heat up between Frank and Andrew.

HEIRS AND PARENTS, the sixth Broom novel, retains the fun and enjoyment of the previous five as it highlights Midwestern small town life in a wholesome way. The rivalry between the lawyers is amusing even as it ties together the well-developed double plot lines. Ralph McInerny, author of the Father Dowling mysteries, shows his abilities by using this elaborate technique to develop a delightful novel that enhances a strong series.

Harriet Klausner

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