"Fun private investigative tale"
After ten novels, Amanda Pepper and former cop C.K.
Mackenzie are finally engaged. Both work part time as
private detectives while C.K. completes a Ph.D. in
criminology and Amanda teaches in a Philadelphia high
school. Amanda meets with new client, upper crust Claire
Fairchild, who is concerned that her darling son Leo is
marrying beneath their station. She demands that the
sleuths investigate her future daughter-in-law, Emmie Cade,
in case she is not worthy of becoming a Fairchild. C.K. quickly uncovers disturbing information about friends
and lovers of Emmie. She is a death magnet as several died
under questionable circumstances. As C.K. and Amanda
wonder if Emmie is dangerous, their client suddenly dies of
what looks like natural causes. A seemingly shocked Emmie
asks Amanda to learn why she is the Grim Reaper with
several people from her inner circle dead. Though at times the myriad of subplots seem overwhelming
and require a scorecard to keep track, several of these
serve as contrasting parallel paths that add depth to
either the lead couple or the prime theme. The glimpse of
the personal lives of the heroes is fun especially when
Amanda empathizes with Emmie on the eve of her meeting the
mother of C.K. for the first time. Fans of the series will
enjoy the latest entry and newcomers will appreciate the
banter between C.K. and Amanda. Though difficult to stay
focused on whether Emmie is a killing machine, a death
attraction magnet, or a victim of something sinister,
CLAIRE AND PRESENT DANGER is a fun private investigative
tale. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted May 10, 2003
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