Book Review: On the Chopping Block

Reviewed By: Gina Metz - RAM

On the Chopping Block     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Bobby Jaye Allen
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Accolade Books, 2003, 205 pages

On the Chopping Block is set in Early, Michigan and begins with the murder of the town’s librarian, Penny Powder on the eve of Early’s Founders Day Fair. Prior homicide detective, Brady Kincaid has just arrived in town for a week of vacationing and fishing with his friends in Early.

Penny Powder is found in Berkley’s Book store with her head chopped in with an axe. Berkley’s was planning a large book signing for fair day on Saturday with Holly LaFrance for her new book. Now the book signing has to be moved to a fair booth and to complicate matters a well known, syndicated column, On the Chopping Block, prints a scathing review of Holly’s latest novel.

The main characters are Brady Kincaid, who is asked to help in the investigation, as Early’s police chief is trying desperately to hire him on as the town is growing, new detective, Alice Drinker, and Detective Newkirk. Brady’s friends the Fellmeyers, the Brickley’s and Lincoln who manages new condos in Early. As the investigation into Penny Powder’s life unfolds, it becomes quite apparent people had no idea who Penny Powder really was or what she was involved in.

On The Chopping Block was not a bad book just somewhat slow paced and a bit predictable for me. Others who enjoy books more on the cozier side will probably appreciate and like it much better than I did.

Gina Metz - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Gina Metz - RAM