Book Review: Nursery Crimes

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Nursery Crimes     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Ayelet Waldman
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character
Series: Mommy Track mysteries # 1
Berkeley, Jun 2000, $21.95, 224 pp.

Juliet is a Harvard graduate, who works as a yuppie attorney in a prestigious law firm when she meets her soon to be husband, a wannabe script writer working in a video store. Juliet fully expected to support him for several years, but a studio picked up one of his “shock-schlock” scripts. The pair moves to Hollywood where Peter happily produces more of the same that his agent easily sells for big bucks. This allows Juliet to live her dream as a public defender.

By the time their daughter Ruby was two Juliet becomes pregnant again. Abigail, head of Hollywood’s premier preschool, interviews Juliet and Peter, but ultimately refuses to allow Ruby to attend. Though disappointed by the rejection, neither parent is hostile.

However, studio owner Mr. LeCrone reacts differently when his child is denied admission. Only Peter stopped him from hitting Abigail Hathaway. That night Abigail dies in a car crash that Juliet believes is murder. She begins to do some investigating and soon turns up some interesting information that implicates several people who wants the victim dead.

The juxtaposition of Juliet playing with her toddler one-minute and the next moment turning into a sleuth is believable, hilarious, and sets the tone for this tale. Juliet is a superb private investigator who struggles more with diapers than finding clues. The interactions between the spouses and with their child provide a softening homey feel that will appeal to readers who enjoy a well-written cozy. If NURSURY CRIMES is any indication of what to expect from Ayelet Waldman, this series will have a quality, long life expectancy.

Harriet Klausner

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