Jeff Markowitz, It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder

Jersey Knews Magazine reporter Cassie O'Malley has been totally unproductive since her former mentor and boss Morris sold the tabloid to Jack Cambrian. Her new employer is tired of her attitude and lack of articles so he warns her to change her attitude and produce some articles. He assigns her to the Mall of Jersey to cover the Christmas shopping. Totally bored, Cassie watches Santa with the kids, but has no articles worth writing.

Security guard Oliver Berryhill finds loan shark Big Mack dead in the men's room. He claims he killed the man during a knife fight when he confronted the loan shark over stolen merchandise. Police Detective Eddie "Eggs" Bebedict thinks the guard is lying; as the knife lacked fingerprints while Big Mack's only surviving son Little Mack vows to kill Berryhill. Meanwhile a pawnbroker related to the case unbeknownst to the cop and the reporter also is found dead.

This is an engaging investigative tale starring a strong cast and climaxing with a great twist. Cassie and Eggs make an interesting combination while the support cast adds eccentricity and crime to the mix. Humor is found in nearby Woodbine where accidents also occur. Still fans will celebrate Cassie's Christmas caper (see WHO IS KILLING DOAH'S DEER for her first case).

Harriet Klausner