"Engaging Benni Harper mystery"
The central coastal California town of San Celina is home
to chief of police Gabe Ortiz and his wife Benni Harper.
Although Gabe was once an undercover narcotics officer in
the big city, receiving an adrenaline high from collaring a
drug dealer, he is content now to work in this quiet
college and retirement village. However, whenever a
homicide does occur, it seems that Benni is in the middle
of it, much to Gate's consternation. Homicide is the farthest thing from Benni's mind now. Her
best friend is about to marry her cousin (two people she
cherishes) and her grandmother is getting married after
forty years of being a widow. Benni is all caught up in
wedding preparations when Gabe's ex-lover comes to town
determined to win him back. To get her mind off her
heartache, Benni becomes involved in another homicide
investigation, one that is fifty years old. It's interesting to see Benni solve a case that is over a
half a century old using old newspaper reports and
historical documents. Although STEPS TO AN ALTAR is billed
as a mystery, it is as much a romance with Benni having an
admirer who finally comes out of the closet. Told in the
first person from Gabe and Benni's point of view, readers
are able to feel close to both protagonists and understand
their feelings and actions. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted March 7, 2002
|
