Review: "It had been the perfect murder. No blood, no mess." Hooked me up front!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 7, 2012
After reading all three of Carolyn Arnold's best-selling crime novels, I just had to read this short story. I'm a huge fan of short stories because they test the author's skills in different ways than a full-length book. The challenge is to present a good story that can be read in one sitting. This requires a minimalist style, which means each word must be chosen carefully, the action taking place over a short period of time, and the point of view limited to one character, as a rule.This author handles all this with perfection!Pearls of Deception (A Short Story)hooked me with the first choice words: "It had been the perfect murder. No blood, no mess." And I couldn't stop reading until the very end, even though I gasped in places, horrified by the devious mind of this first-time killer."Hell has no fury like a woman scorned!" That old saying takes on menacing aspects in this well-written tale of betrayal, rage and revenge, especially in the skilled hands of this author. Carolyn Arnold's brilliant writing vividly depicts where the desire for revenge takes Christina, the scorned, outraged wife.Just what does Christina do? Get back at her husband? His little paramour? Or both? How does she go about her evil plans? And what does a string of pearls have to do with it all?Carolyn Arnold answers all those questions and more as she leads her readers through a maze of betrayal, accusations, lies, and diabolical revenge. After gasping throughout the reading of this exciting story, I couldn't believe the ending... And wait until you find out who the wife actually is!Major kudos, Ms. Arnold. This is one of the best mystery/crime stories I've read lately. You have a fan for life...I highly recommend this short story and all of this author's books. I adoredElevenand both books in the Madison Knight series. Eagerly anticipating more, so I hope she writes fast! I predict a brilliant future for this fine writer.Reviewed by Betty Dravis, March 7, 2012Author of "Six-Pack of Blood" (with Barbara Watkins)