===From: JAskew
Ian Rankin had better look to his laurels. John Connelly shortens the hem of
noir chic, and challenges Rankin's hegemony in the culinary mystery genre as
well, in his new 900 page book, _Death Wore Trainers_. (BloodyGore Press)
Charlie"Bird" Parker renewed his spirit and mastered "Chopsticks
for Solo Sax" in Paris but now he has a decision to make: dancing in the
Metro or taking his new career as a television talk host seriously. Charlie
flips a sou and decamps for former British Vogue editor Jane Haddam's guest room
in drought-ridden Connecticut. But, first he must come to the rescue of his
hostess who has quit her publishing job and adopted the burkha despite
injunctions from her new boss, Judi, at the Turkey Rescue Mission to "Think
Sean John!"
At first, Parker thinks Jane's style is a reaction to shortage of clogs (and
jumpers) since the tragic fire-bombing every Talbot's and Ann Taylor by the
Radical Anti-Clogs Movement. But, when Jane begins insisting Charlie wear a
burkha,too, and tries to get her friends in the "Keep the Irish the Hell
Out of Maine League" to adopt it, Charlie plans an intercession. When the
Leaguers- Donna, Eileen, and Mary -- and the entire staff of Nordstrom's shoe
department die after eating Beth's Famous Rice Salad at the intercession
planning meeting, Parker's cheery chats about kilts and sling-backs have to end.
Parker smells something and it isn't the salad. Is it Joy. Is it the eau de
Piliki favored by RAM ? Is is the odor of sanctity? Is burkha blue the new
black?
All these question, plus recipes and superb directions for
removing bloodstains from old kilts are answered. Connelly's legions of cozy
fans, so often neglected by mainstream publishers, are in for a thrill.
"Finally, a well-written mystery for fashionistas!": Val McDermid
"I loved it --- the kilts were terrifying..." Sparkler Hayter
"I was as scared as a bluetick hound at the White House during a vegan
State Dinner !" Dusty Rhodes, "Dallas Times"
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