Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Strong Characters make for a Remarkable Debut, 15 Jan 2003
Benni Harper is trying to put her life back together. It's been nine months since her husband died. Recently, she's moved into the town of San Celina, CA, and taken a job at the local artist co-op running the folk art museum, a job she's perfect for. But then she finds one of the artists stabbed in the woodshop. Since her cousin was seen fleeing the scene, she gets involved trying to find out what happened. The stakes are raised when a second body is found. Still trying to figure out her relationship with the temporary police chief, she plunges on, learning secrets she didn't want to know. But can she find the killer before the killer makes her the next target?What struck me most about this book was the characters. Benni and police chief Gabe Ortiz jump off the page as fully realized characters. I feel like I've known them for several books instead of just one. Even the supporting characters are well developed. The mystery itself is good, with some unexpected twists. The writing style feels like that of a polished professional. It's hard to believe this is a first novel. This is the first in the Benni Harper series, and I look forward to reading the others. If you enjoy a well-written mystery with fresh, three dimensional characters, this is the book for you.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you?
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
California cozy - chuck off your boots and grab a latte, 9 July 1999
By A Customer
Meet Benni, sort of the 90s, west coast, grown up Nancy Drew. Her chum Alvia is an independent book seller. Her husband's cow punching family is worthy of an Anne Tyler novel. Her trusty roadster is a pickup. And we sense the Nancy Drew propensity to rush in and sustain innumerable blows to the head. Will this girl always beat the cops to the punch and be neatly rescued by her man? But I loved Nancy Drew, and I love Benni. Benni's battle with grief over her husband's death rings true and gives depth to the character. If you can't take a trip to the California coast this summer, a Benni Harper Mystery will give you the same feel. The book artfully brings to life a small town with a compatible mix of ranchers, working artists, and the coffeehouse chic set interlaced with Latino and cop culture. And as in all small town mysteries, you just never know who will snap. Earlene, you go girl!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic, 9 Dec 2004
By A Customer
Excellant opener to this new mystery series!!Thought that the main character, Benni had a lot of depth and vibrancy. THe relationship between Benni and the chief of police was really well written. Really enjoyed reading this book. Great to curl up with on a cold winters night! Working my way through the rest of the series now.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
by Earlene Fowler
by Earlene Fowler
by Earlene Fowler
by Earlene Fowler
by Earlene Fowler
