Book Review: Howl At The Moon

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Howl At The Moon     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Polly Blankenslip
Class/Genre:   Romance
Goodfellow, Sep 2001, $22.00, 335 pp.

Devon Taylor fled relatively safe Minneapolis accompanied by her precocious six-year-old son Jamie to return to her family’s ranch in Blanco Springs, Texas. The memories of Minneapolis and her leering boss over the past year have made Devon weary and she feels her family ranch will be good for her and her son. Devon also feels a bit guilty about her mother being alone with the recent death of her father and feels the three generations will be good for one another. When they reach the ranch, the duo receives a hero’s welcome.

While driving without a spare, a flat tire leaves Devon and Jamie walking home on a deserted back road when John "Buddy" Colton offers a lift. Devon rejects the ride, but he hurts Jamie and tries to rape Devon. She manages to stop him by knocking him unconscious with a cane. Later she learns that he died from his injuries. As the sheriff investigate this case of self-defense, Devon struggles to recover from her feelings of insecurity that no where is safe.

HOWL AT THE MOON is a deep relationship drama centering on a disturbed individual whom feels unsafe and inadequate due to the actions of others. The story line gets inside the damaged psyche of Devon who wants to remain hidden in her bedroom on the family ranch rather than face life’s dangers any longer. Though Buddy is a bit stereotyped in his ugliness, fans will appreciate Polly Blankenslip’s tale of a second chance to live life to the fullest on your only shot at it.

Harriet Klausner

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