Book Review: Competition Can Be Murder

Reviewed By: Sandi - RAM

Competition Can Be Murder     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Connie Shelton
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Woman Main Character
Series: Charlie Parker # 8
April 2004; Intrigue Press, 292 pp.

How can it be more idyllic than staying in a cottage on the historic grounds of Dunworthy Castle in Scotland? Helping a friend, they provide helicopter shuttle flights to the North Sea. During their free time Charlie Parker and her husband, Drake Langston, can take in the scenery, and maybe catch a distillery tour. Except there’s a feud brewing at the rigs with the Unions, putting them right in the middle of danger. And their hosts, Robert and Sarah Dunbar of Dunworthy Castle, are extremely gracious and hospitable. But when their grandson, Richie, shows up missing one day, Charlie isn’t very comfortable being drawn into the investigation. She had been “unofficially drafted into” looking into some missing sheep for them already. Richie’s parents aren’t as warm and down-to-earth as his grandparents. But she does get drawn in, and her plate is already full with the situation with the helicopter flights. Soon Charlie and Drake find themselves in a place far less than idyllic, and far more dangerous. They have to work together to stay safe when flying, and Charlie works with the Dunbar family to try to find out who kidnapped Richie.

This was my first Charlie Parker mystery, but it won’t be my last. It was adventurous and exciting. Charlie is entertaining, smart and pretty gutsy. I like it that she knows her limits and when to call in for extra or outside help (though I’m not sure I would have tried the haggis). The story flows very well, and is believable. For folks who enjoy this genre, I would highly recommend it.

Sandi - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Sandi - RAM