Review: On the Chopping Block

'On the Chopping Block', a fairly traditional mystery story, is set in Early, a small town in Michigan. The investigator, Brady Kincaid, a retired police detective, is in town to visit with some friends, and plans to begin his visit with the Founders' Day Fair, and to continue it with a fishing trip. Before he even reaches the fair, the body of the local librarian, Miss Powder, is discovered in a locked bookstore. Brady, his friends and the police investigate the murder, and it soon becomes clear that Miss Powder hid secrets behind her pleasant but slightly distant facade.

The plot is appropriately complex for a detective novel. However, there are a number of points at which it is extremely implausible, especially during the police investigation of Miss Powder's home. A cozy is not expected to have the same level of realism as a police procedural; however, in this case, the implausibilities were too extreme. The break-ins were too improbable; the forensic evidence, slight as it was, called for a sophisticated crime scene team, not a small-town police force. That the scent would remain so obvious for so long in so many places is also too implausible. There are also minor inconsistencies in the plot. For example, Claudia buys a gift for either a going-away or birthday present for her assistant; a page later, "It occurred to her that if Mary quit her job at LTC, she might keep the exquisite piece for herself."

The style of the writing in this book is quite uneven. In places it is fine; in other places, it is a bit awkward. For example, the author frequently provides and repeats information in a way that seems slightly forced, such as in the explanations of the term 'nose'. Some of the numerous characters are not particularly important to the plot, and their interactions can be confusing and distracting.

Overall, this novel has a promising plot with some very implausible aspects. The writing is weak in places. However, fans of complicated cozy detective novels may enjoy it.

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

Book Review: On the Chopping Block