Lorie Ham Out of Tune

Out of Tune

Lorie Ham

Publish America, Sept 2005, $19.95, 322 pp

ISBN 1413788416

When mean, manipulative, and cruel Edna Harms receives a threatening letter, she is so afraid, she decides to host a memorial service for her husband who she buried in Kenya. The whole family gathers in Donlyn, California to attend the service, and even Alexandra Walter cuts short her trip to attend the service and spend time with the extended family. At the service, the chandelier falls, almost hitting Edna, while Mrs. Kliewer suddenly collapses and is rushed to the hospital, and is later pronounced dead.

Edna expects her family to watch her compete in the bike race, but during the event, someone twice puts something in her water, causing her momentary discomfort. A motorcycle almost mows her down, and her tyres are cut. Since nobody in the family likes Edna, everyone is under suspicion. The detective on the case seems to believe that Mrs. Kliewer was murdered, and that someone is getting away with a homicide while everyone is concentrating on Edna's troubles. Alex investigates both cases, much to the chagrin of Will, a detective on the force who is romantically interested in her, and her boyfriend Stephen, who is worried about her safety.

Anyone who likes an exciting amateur sleuth who-done-it, should read OUT OF TUNE. Lorrie Ham is a very talented writer who has put amazing plot twists in her storyline, so that readers never lose interest in the tale. The protagonist is torn between her growing feelings for Will, and her relationship with Stephen, while raising her five year old daughter. Adding to her personal dilemma is deciding what kind of job she wants, because her profession, singing on tour takes, too much time away from her daughter.