Book Review: Miss Zukas Shelves the Evidence

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Miss Zukas Shelves the Evidence     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Jo Dereske
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character
Series: Miss Zukas # 8
Avon, Feb 2001, $5.99, 241 pp.

People keep reminding the Bellhaven prim and proper librarian Miss Helma Zukas that meeting the children of the man she is keeping company with is momentous. When Wayne Gilbert arrives with his three teenagers in tow, Helma is next door comforting her neighbor's stepdaughter over the loss of her husband. When the Gilberts and Thelma finally meet, it is clear to anyone but the most muddle minded that none of the adolescents want to share their dad with Helma.

Their outing to watch the ocean at low tide abruptly ends when Wayne receives an official call that someone murdered the husband of Helma's neighbor's husband. Wayne receives a second call related to this investigation, but he is soon found unconscious with broken bones and severe bruises. Thelma takes his two children into her home while he recovers in the hospital. She also begins to tie the puzzle pieces together in order to identify the culprit who viciously attacked Wayne.

The eighth installment in this long running series is a cozy lover's delight as all of the violence takes place off stage. The protagonist retains her charm as she stands up for what she believes is right even when her views remain at odds with her boss or her boyfriend. MISS ZUKAS SHELVES THE EVIDENCE is a fresh entertaining novel that deals with some controversial issues inside a warm cozy.

Harriet Klausner

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