Miriam the Medium
Rochelle Jewel Shapiro
Simon & Schuster, May 2004, 320 pp.
ISBN: 0743244788

Miriam Kaminsky is a phone psychic who works out of her house in the New York area. Her husband pharmacist Rory owns Mirror Pharmacy, which is suffering financial troubles. Her teenage daughter Cara is a high school senior. Miriam actually has powers and her readings are quite accurate, but her two family members are ashamed of her work and skill. Coupled with her deceased mom feeling the same way, Miriam hides her talent.

As her trust in her gift wanes due to family reaction, Miriam goes on TV to make money. Her efforts alienate her further with her husband and daughter. When their daughter turns up missing, only Miriam can find her if she listens to her deceased grandma Bubbie and believe that her skills are real. If she fails to trust herself, Cara could die from exposure.

This is an enjoyable contemporary drama with a touch of late suspense and a ton of intriguing paranormal activity. Fans will appreciate the dilemma confronting Miriam as she so much wants her loved one, living and dead, to appreciate her talent, but when no one except Bubbie does, her confidence is impacted. Except for a final unnecessary clip showing Cara's boyfriend as a womanizing rat, this reviewer foresees that readers will take immense pleasure in following the exploits of MIRIAM THE MEDIUM

Harriet Klausner