"Warm police procedural"
In Hampstead, Kansas, this winter's weather is so
brutally arctic that old timers believe it is the coldest
ever. Police chief Susan Wren prays that the adverse
weather keeps major crime down to zero because half of her
staff suffers from the blue (non-blue variety). However, her hopes are quickly dashed when furnace
repairer Tim Holiday is found burned beyond recognition in
Calley James' basement. The police find identification in
the victim's pocket, but no one seems to know anything
about the man. Calley's ex-husband Matt was seen arguing
with the casualty and it is soon learned he had an affair
with the man's wife twelve years ago. Tim's real name is
Bran. He was just released from prison on a technicality
though convicted of killing his wife. Susan wants to know
why he moved to the same city as the person who betrayed
him. Charlene Weir provides a cast of characters that seem
so genuine that readers will feel familiarity with the
ensemble. The mystery is well executed with plenty of
suspects, everyone having a reason for wanting the victim
dead. The independent heroine displays humor and strength,
but has the innate ability to know when someone lies to
her. A COLD CHRISTMAS is a warm police procedural. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted November 3, 2001
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