Archive for 'Allin, Lou'
Memories are Murder by Lou Allin
ISBN 1894917332
Rendezvous Crime - Paperback
September 1st, 2007
MEMORIES ARE MURDER is a Belle Palmer mystery. Belle is a woman of a certain age who runs a small real estate business in Northern Ontario. Her short but vital peak season is off to a poor start when her co-worker is called away to tend to an injured paramour and she arranges an unusual replacement for herself - a sassy young pregnant woman nicknamed Yoyo. Needless to say, it takes Belle and Yoyo a while to thrash out a comfortable working relationship.
Belle also rents her neighbors’ house to a mysterious stranger - and then discovers that he is actually the boy she dated in high school. They just have time to catch up on each other’s lives before Gary is found dead. Gary, a zoologist and professor, had come north to study the behavior of elk in the area. Belle knows that accidents in remote areas can be fatal, but something about Gary’s death doesn’t sit right with her. When Gary’s death is followed by other unusual incidents, Belle and her new ally Yoyo take matters into their own hands.
MEMORIES ARE MURDER is an interesting blend. On one hand, it is a treasure trove of information about Northern Ontario. Belle Palmer is very in touch with her surroundings and describes for the reader the flora and fauna around her. She also tells us the human history in the area and how people have interacted with the land and animals there. Then there is Belle herself, who is struggling with her business and a father in his declining years. And when Gary re-enters her life, her worldview gets somewhat tilted as she has to reassess past events in light of new information. All in all, an interesting book that makes me want to visit the area - with lots of bug spray.
Favorite character? Probably Yoyo because she is unexpected. Did I guess it? Some of it. Will I read another? Yes. How can you pass up a title like BUSH POODLES ARE MURDER?
Check out Lou’s web site at www.louallin.com.
Mystery Book Reviews by Liz at http://reviewedbyliz.com ©2008
Posted: April 29th, 2008 under Allin, Lou, Reviews by Author.
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