Book Review: Otherwise Engaged

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Otherwise Engaged     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Laura Young
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Silver Dagger, June 2004, $9.95, 202 pp.

Her cousin Adam wants to take Travel Adventures reporter Kate Kelly to lunch, an event that fills her with trepidation because she knows from past experiences that he needs a favor from her. Sure enough, he wants her to pose as his friend Brett’s fiancée for a weekend at his family Kentucky horse farm because his mother is throwing them an engagement party and his real bride-to-be disappeared. Against her better judgment she agrees to do it and the magazine is paying her expenses and that of a photographer because they want Kate to write a story about her experiences.

When they arrive at Blue Grass Winds, they are looking in a barn when they hear an explosion. A car blew up with someone inside but the body is too burned up for an immediate identification. While the police are going about their investigation, someone is trying to scare Kate into leaving through nasty and sometimes dangerous pranks. Her first thought is that it could be her supposed mother in law who is mentally unbalanced and doesn’t want anyone marrying her precious son. When someone starts shooting at Kate, she decides to investigate even if it places her life in danger.

Laura Young has a wicked sense of humor that she imbues into the storyline. Even thought the plot is deadly serious, readers will find themselves laughing at slapstick and farcical scenes. The protagonist is a strong willed woman who makes her own decisions but isn’t afraid to admit when she is wring. OTHERWISE ENGAGED is a cheerful book that stars quirky and humorous characters in a dangerous scenario.

Harriet Klausner

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