"Fine thriller"
Linguistics Professor Paul Iverson returns home to find his
wife Lexy Ransome dead from an apparent fall from a
backyard apple tree that it seems she must have climbed up
on. Their dog Lorelei is the only witness to the tragedy,
but her barking brought help too late for the victim. Over the next few weeks, the mourning Paul notices little
things in his home seem out of kilter. Originally writing
this off as grief, he begins to wonder about whether his
spouse accidentally fell or committed suicide. Desperate
to know the truth, the linguistic professor tries teaching
English to the eye witness his canine, but little if any
progress is made until the duo hooks up with an underground
group that may enable improved communication between man
and dog, but at what price? THE DOGS OF BABEL can be divided into three parts: the
romance between Paul and Lexy, the teaching of English by
Paul to Lorelei, and the workings of the underground
group. Each segment in of itself is well written, but
never fully integrates into a cohesive novel as if Carolyn
Parkhurst could never decide on the main theme. Though
some romance fans will appreciate that piece best, this
reviewer relished the interplay between the professor and
his dog. Ms. Parkhurst displays depth, imagination, and
talent that makes this novel worth reading, but hopefully
her next tale is more focused. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted May 17, 2003
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