Book Review: Whiskey Island

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Whiskey Island     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Emilie Richards
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Thriller
Mira, Jun 2000, $6.50, 512 pp.

In the dark parking lot of Cleveland’s Whiskey Island Saloon, two would be carjackers threaten sisters Casey and Peggy Donaghue and their charge Ashley. Former priest Niccolo Andreani is passing by when he sizes up the situation and intervenes to keep everyone from being hurt. Niccolo is grazed even as the police capture the two thugs. Casey and Peggy's older sister Megan, owner of the bar, is very thankful for Niccolo’s help. However, she rejects his notion that a homeless person also assisted them.

An obsessed Niccolo cannot resist trying to find the homeless person. He wants to help the man because he is filled with guilt from his failure to assist another homeless individual who froze to death. As Niccolo and Megan become acquainted they fall in love, but neither knows how to trust. At the same time, Ashley’s abusive father is closing in on the child and her protectors. The mystery of the identity of the homeless person leaves the siblings to wonder if he may be their dad.

Though filled with mystery, intrigue, and romance, WHISKEY ISLAND is a superb relationship drama that deserves a wide readership. The story line is loaded with several subplots that all tie back to the main tale. The characters feel genuine and their motives seem so real that Cleveland appears more alive than Drew Carey or Jacobs Field has ever painted the city. Emilie Richards shows why she is so revered and should be back in her familiar spot on the bestseller lists.

Harriet Klausner

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