When Did We Lose Harriet? (Thoroughly Southern Mysteries, No. 1)
Sprinkle, whose previous mysteries were in the mainstream press (Deadly Secrets on the St. Johns, Bantam, 1995), introduces a new Christian character in this first book in a proposed series. Sixtyish southern lady MacLaren Yarbrough is visiting her ill brother in Montgomery, Alabama, when she becomes involved in the mysterious disappearance of teenager Harriet Lawson. When the girl's relatives don't seem to care what happened to Harriet, MacLaren feels it is her Chrisitan duty to investigate (though that duty often takes a backseat to sheer nosiness). MacLaren is a feisty and fun character who should develop well. However, sudden switches in narrative viewpoints from MacLaren to a younger library worker named Josheba Davidson are disconcerting and flaw an otherwise promising debut for the character.Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.