"Will appeal to mystery and history fans"
In 1940, violinist Katy Green seeks work as a musician
with the big bands, but her gender limits her opportunities
regardless of her talent. She finally gets a big break
when someone murders the violinist of the all-female Ultra
Belles. Lois' former boyfriend and bandleader Ted Wyatt
hires her as a replacement. As the band makes a train tour of hot spots in
California and Nevada, someone murders more members of the
Ultra Belles. Unable to resist, Katy begins her own
investigation into the rising homicide count that appears
to be a serial vendetta before the killer adds her to the
list. TOO DEAD TO SWING is an exciting 1940s who-done-it that
is as much history as it is mystery. The ambiance of the
times, especially that of a traveling all-female big band,
enables the audience to see first hand what a musician's
life was like on the West Coast just prior to America's
entry into World War II. The characters make the plot
swing as readers observe the locker room banter while
riding the Pullmans with the band. Hal Glatzer provides a
wonderful tale that historical novel buffs will relish
though mystery fans will find it entertaining too. Though
much more expensive, the audio version of this novel is
even better as one will feel transported into a different
era. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted March 12, 2002
|
