Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Dating Can Be Deadly
Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Victoria Pade
Class/Genre: Mystery
Dell, Oct 1999, $5.99, 288 pp.
Jimi Plain was married for fourteen years and divorced for eight. Over twenty-two years have passed since she has gone out on a date with anyone but her former husband. The idea of dating seems so repulsive to Jimi that a root canal appears more pleasurable. Jimi’s family (her two adult daughters, her grandmother Rose Nell, and her cousin Danny) strongly feel she needs to join the modern scene. For Christmas they obtain for her a subscription to New You For Dating.
Not wanting to hurt anyone, Jimi reluctantly goes to the agency. However, on that first day when she is to meet her personal counselor, Jimi enters the office only to find Steffi Hargity murdered. Jimi learns that Steffi had many enemies, mostly female. Additionally, the owner of the dating service, Steve Stivik hated Steffi. When a club member turns up dead, Jimi feels that a link exists between the two deaths. She decides to make inquiries and continues her sleuthing even when an unknown assailant bombs her car. The obstinate Jimi refuses to heed the warning to back off, which makes her a potential target of a killer with much to lose if identified.
DATING CAN BE DEADLY, the second Jimi Plain mystery, is an intricate amateur sleuth tale because of the numerous suspects with viable motives and opportunities. The relationship between the members of Jimi’s family adds a personal feel that provides depth to the plot. However, this story line belongs to Jimi, an everyday woman who has the chutzpah and a touch of lunacy to investigate homicides. Victoria Pade has made the switch from romance to mystery with her Plain but definitely invigorating who-done-its.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
If you enjoy this website, a link would be appreciated. |