Review: A Fast-Paced, Murder Mystery
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 1, 2012
Life in Deathby Harlow Drake is a fun-twist on the traditional murder mystery. Centered around social worker Kari Marchant the bodies have started stacking up, starting with a foster-child she placed. But could sweet-faced Kari really be involved? Tough-as-nails Detective Cobb thinks so, but his younger, parter Nicolet does not believe the case is as cut and dry as it seems.Drake does something that many mystery writers have trouble accomplishing, she writes a page turner that is a fast-paced, fun read. After all, when your business is murder, it is difficult to have fun. Kari is a gem, a strong-willed, fast-thinking heroine, determined not to take the wrap for these murders. She's also determined to protect those she loves, and the children she serves.Life in Death is a great choice for anyone that loves a good murder mystery, it reads like a Lifetime movie of the week. Perhaps my only complaint is that the fast-paced nature of the story leaves you wanting more. When I finished the book, I found myself wanting to know more about Kari, more about the Detectives and Ms. Marchant's family.Then again, the holes in Drake's story could serve as the launching pad for a social worker turned mystery heroine series starring Kari. I would definitely rather be left wanting more than slogging through too much detail.Drake writes beautiful prose and I can only expect great things from her sophmore novel.Disclaimer: I was gifted a copy of this book for review, however all opinions are my own.