Book Review: Death of a Political Plant

Reviewed By: Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM

Death of a Political Plant     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Ann Ripley
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Woman Main Character   Cozy   Political Intrigue
Series: Louise Eldridge # 3
Bantum Books, 1998, US $7.99, 320 pages

The third in the Louise Eldridge series was delicious. Ripley has really hit her stride with this one. The characters are growing, changing as we all do in real life. The subject is a thinly veiled alternative history based on a fictional presidential race between Bill Clinton and Newt Gengrich/Pat Buchanan clones.

This is only natural since the protagonists have had a relationship with the serving US president in the first two volumes. I found this element to be particularly enjoyable during our current presidential race. The plot involves the re-acquaintance of Louise Eldridge with a college beau, and the invasion of her home by a series of unwanted house guests, relatives, a committee from the Perennial Garden club, and the aforementioned old flame.

It doesn't take long for Louise become involved in mysterious doings when a body is found in her neighbors koi pond while Louise is fish sitting for her vacationing neighbors. The plot is intricate and exciting as usual. The clues are there but buried well for those who like to compete with the sleuth for resolving the mystery.

For a person who gardens the delightful garden based page decorations at the beginning of the chapters, and the gardening essays that are interspersed throughout the book much as recipes are in another genre are pure pleasure bonus, and as uplifting as an afternoon in ones favorite garden, not to be missed.

The book falls into the broad definition of cozy but would be enjoyable by those who enjoy suspense, and political based plots.

Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM