An Unattended Death
Jenkins's series debut holds the reader captive from the first paragraph. Her strong sense of place coupled with the plot's palpable psychological tension makes her police procedural especially arresting. Library Journal, starred review, debut of the monthClean prose and impeccable pacing distinguish this regional crime novel from Jenkins (Cruise Control). --Publishers Weekly, starred reviewA rural Washington state sheriff s detective believes a murder has been committed in her jurisdiction in Jenkins captivating third novel.... Jenkins deft use of plot and character skillfully advances the story, and her all-too-human protagonist, Chavez, is credible and identifiable as she strives to solve the case and reconcile her duties as a law enforcement officer and a single parent...she works hard for the solution, which is logical and realistic. Hopefully, a sequel won t be far behind. KirkusJenkins spins police procedure into a startlingly realistic psychological mystery, with a laid-back pace that is never slow. Chavez s point of view offers a curious, driven perspective; readers definitely will want to slip into her head again. Recommended for those who can t get enough of AMC s The Killing... - Booklist...vividly evocative place descriptions and emphasis on the sordidness of human nature. The mystery is interesting and moves along at a cool but steady pace, making it hard to put down. Irene s straightforwardness and reluctance to change make her refreshingly human. If Ms. Jenkins continues with this character, she ll have a series that will likely draw loyal followers. --NY Journal of BooksAn Unattended Death has all the twists and turns of a mystery, the finely measured cadences of a police procedural, and the musical sense of character and place of an intricately haunting drama. Evocative and intriguing, it s an enticing beginning to what promises to be an enjoyable mystery series. Sheila Deeth, gather.comThe resolution of the case comes as a part of the natural flow of events. There s no artfully staged confrontation with a room full of suspects. Indeed, when she has the answer, she decides not to rush to the family of the deceased with her analysis and explanation. Life just goes on. This makes An Unattended Death a superior crime novel. The detective proves to have more intellectual gumption than the Paris family would patronizingly choose to believe... This is definitely recommended to anyone who enjoys a character-driven mystery where, until the end, it remains unclear whether it s possible to prove the death a murder. --David Marshall, Thinking about books