Book Review: Six Strokes Under

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Six Strokes Under     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Roberta Isleib
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth   Cozy
Series: Golf Lover's Mysteries # 1
Berkley, Jun 2002, $5.99, 272 pp.

Former PGA caddie Cassandra Burdette will soon attend the LPGA Qualifying School in Sarasota. Her mother hates that Cassandra is wasting her time on this frivolous activity that reminds her too much of her former husband, the golf pro who deserted them. Though lacking family support and knowing the odds are so against her, Cassandra knows she must try. Also attending the four day "boot camp" is fellow Myrtle Beach phenomena Kaitlin Rupert, who claims recovery of an ugly memory that her father sexually abused her.

After finishing a visit with her psychiatrist, Cassandra notices that the door to a neighboring doctor's office is open when it never is and she hears weird noises from within. Reluctantly Cassandra enters only to find someone has murdered Dr. Benchley, Kaitlin’s psychiatrist. Police Detective Maloney feels that Cassandra is the prime suspect and does not want her leaving town any time soon. Cassandra begins making her own inquiries not realizing that a killer will gladly ace her if she gets to close to learning the score.

SIX STROKES UNDER makes a birdie as the opening drive of the Golf Lover’s Mystery. The story line is at its best when Cassandra prepares for her big moment at school while dealing with a who-done-it that psychologically ruins par for her. Cassandra is a wonderful heroine, but why she accepts bogies from Kaitlin hurts her appeal. Still, Roberta Isleib provides duffers with an entertaining amateur sleuth sports tale that is a fine first round.

Harriet Klausner

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