Lorena McCourtney On The Run

On The Run

Lorena McCourtney

Revell, Jan 2006, $12.99, 320 pp.

ISBN 0800759567

LOL (Little old Ladies) like Ivy Malone should not be on the run in her RV going from town to town to escape people who are trying to kill her. Ever since she was one of the people who helped convict one of the Braxton brothers for murder the clan has been after her. They almost succeeded in burning her Missouri home down (with her inside) and they put dynamite in her car. After escaping from them once more, she picks up a hitchhiker, Abilene, in Oklahoma and the pair applies for a job at Jack and Jessie's compound.

They find the couple dead, apparently the result of a murder suicide pact. There was a note in their handwriting and there was gun residue on Jack's hand. From the very beginning Ivy and Abilene are sure that both people were the victims of a homicide by a person unknown. Little things like a gold Kruggerand mysteriously appearing in a spot it wasn't in before and a bullet hidden in the wall makes them think the case is not open and shut. Ivy proves to be too smart for her own good and as a result she puts her life in danger.

Getting a job as the caretakers to watch over the compound is supposed to gives both women who are on the run (Abilene' husband, a spouse abuser is looking for her) a chance to rest. Instead they find themselves in the middle of two deaths where the surface picture doesn't take into account certain anomalies. Ivy and Abilene make a perfect sleuthing pair and the friendship that springs up between the older woman and the younger is emotionally heartwarming and adds depth to a fascinations and exciting storyline. Lorena McCourtney writes an action packed character driven amateur sleuth mystery that readers will enjoy immensely.

Harriet Klausner