Book Review: Deadly NightShade

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Deadly NightShade     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Cynthia Riggs
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Senior Sleuths   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Martha's Vineyard Mysteries # 1
St. Martin's, May 2001, $23.95, 288 pp.

Oak Bluffs is a peaceful village located on Martha's Vineyard. However, beneath the quiet surface dark undercurrents freely flow, waiting for the appropriate moment to surface and cause harm. The local harbormaster, retired NYPD officer Domingo, senses something is rotten as thousands of dollars a month funnel through the harbor into the pockets of some people.

Victoria, a sprightly nonagenarian awaits the arrival of her granddaughter Elizabeth, the harbormaster's assistant when she hears something fall into the water. Nanoseconds later she hears a car racing away from the vicinity. Victoria tells Domingo. They investigate together only to find the mutilated corpse of one of the town's least desirable citizens. More deaths follow along with Victoria ands Elizabeth receiving life-threatening notes to keep their mouths shut. Neither woman is any good at obeying orders.

Victoria has more energy than a middle school sports team and remains sound in mind and body. Her fountain of youth vigor makes DEADLY NIGHTSIDE into a powerful tale even as readers will wonder if the portrayal can be realistic. Cynthia Riggs shows her gift for characterizations that will have her audience clamoring for an on-going series at least until Victoria turns one hundred.

Harriet Klausner

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