Book Review: Dem Bones' Revenge

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Dem Bones' Revenge     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Kris Neri
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Cozy   Woman Main Character   Humorous
Series: Tracy Eaton # 2
Rainbow, Aug 2000, $14.95, 294 pp.

Perkins and Pimm editor Carolyn simply informs writer Tracy Eaton that she has three days to fix her latest Tessa Graham mystery, “Deadly Shadows” or kill the series. Tracy is stunned because she felt the novel was great. She expects no sympathy from her spouse Drew the lawyer who has a case that will end his chances of obtaining a partnership.

Although Tracy is tight for time, she finds her clock squeezed even tighter. The police believe her mother, legendary actress Martha Collins, killed screenwriter Vince Sperry, who coincidentally was the plaintiff being sued by Drew’s client for plagiarism. As Tracy makes inquiries, no one including her mother seems willing to cooperate. Martha strongly feels that Drew killed Vince. Other evidence points towards Tracy’s dad, Hollywood legend Alec Grainger. Tracy realizes that her mother could spend life in prison while the truth lies in a past scandal.

The first Eaton novel (see THE REVENGE OF THE GYPSY QUEEN) received numerous nominations for its wit and intelligent story line. The second tale, DEM BONES’ REVENGE is as good if not better mystery. The plot is entertaining with its tour of the fantasy side of LA as seen through the humorous antics of the “natives”. The characters are fully drawn so that the audience understands motives including that of Tracy’s parents need to keep the scandal quiet more than keeping her mother out of jail. Kris Neri provides a wacky look at a Hollywood who-done-it that will send readers seeking the previous book and desiring the next installment in the life and times of Tracy Eaton, daughter to the stars.

Harriet Klausner

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