Monday, October 4, 2010

A Nose For Hanky Panky



Well long time, no blog, eh?  I have to admit that I've fallen far off the blogging train and apologize for my neglectfulness.  I've been brought out of my "busy with other stuff stupor" to write about a really good new mystery book that I've recently had the pleasure to read and review.  Read on to discover more about "A Nose for Hanky Panky"

Author Sharon Love Cook lives in a city nearby to my own, and I first saw mention of her in an article in The Salem News last winter.  I was intrigued by the concept of her forthcoming book and sent her an email expressing my interest.  Some months later Sharon got in touch with me and agreed to send me a copy of  "A Nose for Hanky Panky" to read and review.  I was thrilled when it arrived just a day later, and was even enchanted by the classy wrapping paper she used.  That tipped me off that Sharon has a good eye for style and detail.

"A Nose for Hanky Panky" reflects the same: style and detail.  The book is winsome, charming, fun, funny, and suspenseful all wrapped together.  I particularly enjoyed how the characters are shown to be very human and pretty well rounded.  I'd like to bring a few of them to "real life" to have as friends.

The mystery tale revolves around the stunning murder of local hot shot psychologist Dr. Vivian Klinger.  The police have a suspect in mind and don't seem inclined to follow any other leads.  Rest assured, our intrepid reporter Rose McNichols is on the case and hot on the trail of the killer.  Unfortunately, she hasn't quite figured out whose trail it is she is hot on.

With wonderfully accurate descriptions of places, sights and sounds of the Cape Ann area, she evokes the sensibilties of readers so that they may feel transported enough to smell the ocean.  Ms. Cook has a knack for using just the right combinations of words almost make you forget you are reading a fictional story.  I felt as involved with the novel that I was sad when it ended.  That said, I have something to look forward to as the series continues and evolves.  I can't wait for the sequel!

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