David's Goliath

The Killer’s Cousin by Nancy Werlin (1998). I just love a good mystery.

How does it stack up to our Off the Charts rating?

The Cover: Ummm…the colors match. O.k., I could not figure out the image on the front of the book even after I finished the novel. It was the next day when it dawned on me what it was. It was the feet that threw me off. Apparently I am not a super sleuth.

Page Turner Worthiness Factor: Oh no, it’s the last page! Something unexpected and noteworthy in each chapter.

Coming to a Theatre Near You: Worth the price of three gallons of gas. I would leave the theatre feeling satisfied and entertained.

Better than a bowl of ice cream: Chocolate with sprinkles. I was eating ice cream while reading this.

I was not always a fan of mystery novels, that is, until I read some classic detective fiction including: Sherlock Holmes and The Adventure of the Speckled Band, Hammett’s The Thin Man, and Christie’s A Pocket Full of Rye. After taking a detective fiction class at the local community college a few semesters ago, I am now a huge fan. While reading TKC I felt like the detective who is always one step ahead of the "criminal" while reading this novel. Only in this case there is no real criminal. This novel is paced so well and the gleaming carrot of truth and knowledge kept me devouring each page. I just had to know what happened in the back stories of David and Lily. I love how Werlin intertwined their lives and suffering. Perfect mystery reading while you sunbath on the beach. Did I mention the novel won The Edgar Award in 1999?

Top Ten Ways to be a Super Sleuth like Miss Marple:

1. Have a Watson in your life—Frank Delgado

2. Know your suspect subject, study them closely.

3. Smell the smoke before the fire starts.

4. Accept that jealously knows no age limit.

5. Work with plausible evidence, not assumptions.

6. Crazy as it may sound listen to the ghost.

7. Realize marriages can hide a multitude of faults and fissures.

8. Use your own past mistakes as an intuitive guide.

9. Trust the prickled hairs on the back of your neck.

10. Never underestimate the power of the 80’s band, Talking Heads.

Our next read is Banana Heart Summer by Merlinda Bobis.