Book Review: Immaculate Reception

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Immaculate Reception     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Jerrilyn Farmer
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Maddie Bean # 2
Avon, Apr 1999, $5.99, 242 pp.

For the past few months, the life of former Hollywood Caterer Madeline Bean has stayed quiet. Since selling her business, Madeline has opened up a new one, "Mad Bean Events". Jesuit Brother Xavier Jones provides Maddie with her first assignment, serving breakfast to the people of Los Angeles honoring the Pope. Maddie loved Xavier, but bears the mental scars of her feelings because he chose a different path.

The catering goes smooth, but other events make Maddie realize that something sinister is occurring. A document from the time of the rise of the Nazis appears to have become the catalyst for the killing of two clerics whom she just met. Maddie places herself in danger by investigating the homicides.

Jerrilyn Farmer proves she is no one-hit wonder (see the superb SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL) with her second Madeline Bean amateur detective tale, IMMACULATE RECEPTION, which has nothing to do with the catch. The protagonist is an everyday person, struggling to make a good life for herself. The who-done-it is entertaining and enhanced by learning why Maddie keeps males at arm's length. Fans of amateur sleuth stories will enjoy reading this novel and its prequel.

Harriet Klausner

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

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