Laurie Moore, Jury Rigged

Jury Rigged

Laurie Moore

Five Star, Dec 2008, $25.95

ISBN 9781594147104

In Fort Worth, Cezanne Martin left the police department to practice law. One morning, she wakes up to find Darlene Driskoll holding a gun to her face. Driskoll forces Martin into her car, but the attorney manages to escape. Knowing this is not over, Martin turns to FWPD star detective, Wolfgang 'Slash' Vaughn for help from the crazed killer who escaped from her incarceration.

Soon after her traumatic experience, Martin learns her long missing dad Bob died and that her elderly Aunt Velda lives in poverty inside a mansion. Finally her brother, Henri Matisse Martin, arrives demanding his share of the estate. Between family to include her teenage ward Deuteronomy 'Duty' Devilrow and a killer, Martin decides the latter is safer.

The third humorous Martin investigative thriller (see 'Lady Godiva Murder' and 'The Wild Orchid Society') is a hoot from the hood as Duty provides enlightening commentary on the big show. The storyline is fast-paced especially with deadly deranged Driskoll stalking. Between Duty's asides and in your face comments and Cezanne's struggles to survive her family, Slash, Duty and Driskoll, Fort Worth will never be the same.

Harriet Klausner