Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Graveyard Dust
Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Barbara Hambly
Class/Genre: Mystery Historical
Series: Benjamin January Mysteries # 3
Bantam, Jul 1999, $23.95, 336 pp.
In 1834 New Orleans, just prior to his death, Isaak Jumon apparently accuses his spouse Celie of poisoning him. At least that is the conclusion of the local law enforcement officials. Besides arresting Celie, the police apprehend Benjamin January's sister Olympe as an accomplice for selling the poison.
Benjamin, a free man of color, knows his sibling would never do such an act, though she practices good voodoo. He also realizes that his sister has no chance of a fair trial by her peers because New Orleans is a city deeply divided along racial lines. Benjamin begins his own inquiries into the murder of Isaak even after someone tries to warn him off by sprinkling GRAVEYARD DUST in his bed. When it comes to Olympe, nothing will stand in Benjamin's way of trying to free her.
GRAVEYARD DUST, the third novel in Barbara Hambly's superb historical mystery series, is an excellent who-done- it that will bring further accolades to this talented writer. The excellent story line is extremely complex as it meanders to its conclusion. The characters are warm and represent various aspects of early nineteenth century New Orleans. This facet of the novel alone makes GRAVEYARD DUST a winner. The atmosphere of 1834 New Orleans makes this one of the top historical who-done-its of the year.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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