Book Review: Dating Can Be Murder

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Dating Can Be Murder     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Jennifer Apodaca
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth   Cozy
Series: Samantha Shaw # 1
Kensington, May 2002, $22.00, 272 pp.

She met her husband at a dating service and for thirteen years they were married until he was killed when he unknowingly ate peanuts which he was allergic to. After his death, Samantha found evidence that he was cheating on her and the whole town knew it. He also left her broke so she had to sell the house, her van and one of his classic cars.

With the money that was left, she had breast augmentation surgery and bought heart mates, the dating service where they met. One day a man comes in asking for the half million dollars that Trent skimmed off his business. Sam finds out that Trent was involved with selling cocaine through Heart Mates and he stole the money from the owner of the business. Trying to find the money and keeping her two children safe is a full time occupation but somehow Sam finds time for a little romance in her life.

Jennifer Apodaca makes her debut with this novel but this is quite a sophisticated novel combining a mystery with a romance even as humor runs throughout the story line. The characters are extremely well developed and the pacing of the plot is very smooth. This is a delightful novel and this reviewer can’t wait for the next one in the series.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner