Reviewed By Liz

ISBN: 1-58314-607-5

THE COMPANY YOU KEEP is the first book in the Kendra Clayton mystery series. Kendra is a part-time GED instructor and part-time waitress at her uncle’s restaurant. She is also a good friend and bites her tongue when her friend Bernie’s no good boyfriend does her wrong. But the friendship becomes a little strained when the boyfriend, Jordan, is found with his head bashed in and Bernie is the likely suspect. Intrigued by the fact that Jordan never mentioned his family or past, Kendra starts poking around to see if she can find any other possible suspects for the murder. She soon finds that she isn’t the only one who thought Jordan was a louse.

THE COMPANY YOU KEEP is what I have taken to calling a “meat and potatoes” mystery. It isn’t glamorous or flashy, but everything a mystery reader wants is there and it satisfies. The plot is suitably complex and well thought out, there are enough suspects and possible motives to keep the reader guessing, the characters are good, and the book is well written. Henry serves up a pleasing mystery and makes it look easy.

I particularly enjoyed the many and varied characters in this book. In her search for the truth, Kendra has contact with numerous people and Henry has given each a moment in the spotlight. And, although these encounters are brief, Henry resists resorting to “types” and makes each character something special - and often unexpected. I love it when the author has the ability to make characters feel this real and I always find these books more engaging.

Favorite character? Gwen – the waitress whose daily wig selection reflects her stress level. How can you not love a character like that? Did I guess it? Some of it. Will I read another? Absolutely. There are at least two more Kendra Clayton books to enjoy.

Mystery Book Reviews by Liz at http://reviewedbyliz.com ©2007

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ISBN 0425219046

TURKEY FLAMBE - The latest Carolyn Blue mystery, Turkey Flambé, November 6, 2007, finds Carolyn accused of a terrorist attack on New York just because her Thanksgiving turkeys flamed out of control, causing, among other disasters, a huge accident when tossed onto the limousine windshield of an Arab ambassador to the United Nations. While searching for the turkey saboteur, Carolyn and friend Luz Vallejo team up with her publisher’s private detective Abraham Cratchett. Their investigation takes them to Brooklyn and Queens as well as ethnic neighborhoods in Manhattan in search of clues and exotic culinary meals for inclusion in Carolyn’s next book, Eating Ethnic in the Big Apple. But will there be another book, or will Carolyn go to jail for assault? At the Metropolitan Opera will Luz enjoy the evening, embarrass Carolyn with snide comments, or win her bet with an amorous Mexican restauranteur, who thinks he can seduce any woman, including the straitlaced Carolyn? Will Abraham’s mother, who dreams of grandchildren, manage to set her son up with Luz? Will Carolyn’s testy mother-in-law allow herself to be involved in a séance that seeks to connect with a dead feminist?

Check out Nancy’s web site at www.nancyfairbanks.com.

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