Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Right to Remain Silent
Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Penny Warner
Class/Genre: Mystery Amateur Sleuth Woman Main Character
Series: Connor Westphal # 3
Bantam, Jan. 1998, 267 pp.,$5.99
Investigative journalist Connor Westphal may be deaf, but she will not allow her physical impairment prevent her from obtaining her goal which is climbing upward in her chosen profession. The Eureka reporter soon learns that Sparkle Bodie, the most unpopular person in Gold County, California just died. However, the elderly woman was apparently smothered by someone using a pillow while she was in the hospital for less than an hour.
Because of her public exposure of family secrets, many individuals had motives to kill Sparkle. However, the police hone in on Sparkle's deaf son Caleb as the prime suspect. Connor, knowing she already has the possibility of the story of the year, believes the lad is an easy mark to pin the blame on for the murder. As Connor begins to make inquiries, more killings occur, making the intrepid reporter wonder if she may just find her byline in the obituary column.
RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT, the third Connor Westphal amateur sleuth stories, is a great who-done-it due to the warm, witty star. The murder mystery is well designed and filled with growing suspense, while the ensemble adds intensity to the exciting story line. However, what makes this series worth reading is Penny Warner's insight into the life of a deaf person which she cleverly intertwines within the remarkable plot. This reviewer recommends the entire series (DEAD BODY LANGUAGE and SIGN OF FOUL PLAY) for a refreshingly unique reading experience.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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