Book Review: Large Target

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Large Target     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Lynne Murray
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Josephine Fuller # 2
St. Martin’s, Apr 2000, $23.95, 272 pp.

Josephine Fuller is a philanthropic troubleshooter who judges the worthiness of candidates to receive a charitable grant from wealthy society matron Alicia Medrone. Josephine knows that her being big sized makes much of the population uncomfortable so they try to ignore her presence. This enables her efficiently and effectively to perform her job. She also considers her boss a friend and never hesitates when Alicia asks for a favor. The daughter of Alicia’s best friend is spending a lot of time away from her husband and daughter while caring for dying people. Josephine is to determine whether Amy is behaving rationally.

From almost the start, Josephine realizes that Amy and her family don’t even approach what most people would consider normal behavior. While meeting with Amy at the Feather Heart Project, a non-profit organization helping dying people and their families, Josephine learns that someone kidnapped Amy’s father, a lecherous and retired admiral, and is demanding a million-dollar ransom. Later, the two women find the murdered corpse of the admiral’s friend and business partner. Josephine begins to make inquiries in order to protect Amy and ease Alicia’s mind even though that means becoming involved in another situation that will put her in deadly danger.

Lynn Murray has created a fascinating lead character that maintains a positive self-image despite society’s disapproval of oversized individuals. It is Josephine’s healthy confidence that hooks the audience especially when the amateur sleuth helps other people. The mystery is a winner because Josephine turns LARGE TARGET into a fast-paced, exciting and believable story line filled with heart. This is only the second installment in what looks to be another delightful amateur sleuth series that will have a long-term run.

Harriet Klausner

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