Book Review: Killing Gifts

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Killing Gifts     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Deborah Woodworth
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical   Religious Fiction   Ethnic
Series: Sister Rose Callahan # 5
Avon, Feb 2001, $5.99, 272 pp.

At the height of their ascendancy, the Shakers were a large religious sect with communities all over the country. The Shakers were not only celibate, but also insulated themselves from the rest of society. As time moved on, the members died and no new converts joined the movement. By the Great Depression, the membership was so small, the sect hired outsiders to farm the land and manage the stores.

Eldress Rose Callahan receives a request to travel from her home, the North Homage Shaker Village, Kentucky to Hancock Shaker Village, Massachusetts to investigate a homicide. Once Rose, accompanied by her friend Gennie Moline, arrive, they immediately feel the taint of evil. Strange happenings and outbursts from people who have not signed the Convent provide the detecting duo with a plethora of suspects. When another murder occurs, Rose increases her search only to place herself and Gennie in danger.

Deborah Woodworth does a fantastic job of explaining the Shaker religious and philosophical beliefs, and their efforts to survive the dwindling population during the 1930s. The only remnant of this once powerful movement is their hand carved furniture. Within that backdrop interwoven into the plot lies a mystery with many suspects having motives and opportunities. This leaves the reader wondering just who the killer is and that answer occurs when the heroine provides it. The who-done-it of KILLING GIFTS is well orchestrated as with the previous books in this strong historical mystery series, but the gift in this tale and its predecessors is the warm detailed glimpse of a fascinating bygone culture.

Harriet Klausner

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