Kathleen O'Brien Quiet as the Grave

Quiet as the Grave

When Justine Milner vanished in Firefly Glen, everyone assumed foul play but no evidence not even a corpse surfaced. Still most residents believe that her ex-husband Michael Frome killed her probably out of passion or perhaps over custody of their son Gavin.

Two years later, the body of Justine is found and Michael is arrested for her murder. He is convicted in the public opinion poll with only portrait artist Suzie Strickland believing he is innocent. She remembers what a SOB Justine was in high school ten years ago when they competed for Mike's affection and Justine coldly manipulated the game so that she won the prize. However, Suzie feels the solution to who killed nasty Justine lies with the enigmatic Mulligan Club, who play dark deadly games of seduction; Justine was a member who fit in nicely until someone felt otherwise. As Suzie digs deeper into the club, she risks her life to prove Mike's innocence.

Mike and Suzie first appeared as teens in FIREFLY GLEN (I have not read), but though that tale might give a reader insight into their relationship back in high school, that is not a necessity to enjoy this fine romantic suspense. Suzie is a terrific heroine trying to prove that her beloved did not kill his former wife, but the evidence contradicts her belief. Mike is the beleaguered lead male protagonist who has lived for two years under a cloud of suspicion that now has turned into a torrential storm. Readers will appreciate this solid amateur sleuth romantic thriller though the mysterious Mulligan Club seems a bit over the edge albeit a suspenseful intriguing edge.

Kathleen O'Brien

Signature Select Saga, Mar 2006, $ 5.99

ISBN: 0373836953

Harriet Klausner