Review: A KEEPER!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 20, 2013
Although a murder mystery should be a serious book, I laughed and giggled my way through Waiting for Dead Men's Shoes. After a day on which he annoyed an ex-wife, an ex-business partner and several members of the staff of his book store, Colin Quimby is murdered. Minette Monroe seems to be the only person and employee who is truly sad about his death and absolutely determined to find out who had caused his death. When handsome officer Michael Maus is the initial detective on the case, Mini decides that they should work together to find the murderer, never mind that he is taken off the case on the same day. They embark on an adventure that includes a funeral as a first date, breaking and entering, and sessions in the gym that is all talk and little exercise.This cleverly written and highly humorous story just kept me turning the pages. The author uses word play as well as hilarious incidents to make the book one of the funniest I've ever read. Even the names of her characters are perfectly chosen for a comedic murder mystery. Is it surprising that Minette Monroe, called Mini, is hesitant to become Mrs. Mini Maus, wife of Mr. Mickey Maus?  The incredibly embarrassing situations Minette gets herself into made me howl with laughter.Despite the light tone of the story, the plot is skilfully developed and the end is as unexpected as that of any of the very best mysteries.  The characters are brilliantly crafted; from Todd Blakely, the shop assistant and Fiona the first ex-wife, to Colleen the daughter from Colin's first marriage. All of them could potentially be the murderer. Add to that the spoilt daughters from the second marriage, called by Mini the Sisters Dim, and the suspect pool becomes very interesting indeed.An excellent read, I'd call Waiting for Dead Men's Shoes a keeper to be read again and again. Five Stars and a standing ovation for this book and its fantastic author.(Ellen Fritz)