Book Review: Murder Among Strangers

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Murder Among Strangers     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Jonnie Jacobs
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Woman Main Character
Series: Kate Austen # 4
Kensington, Mar 2000, $20.00, 384pp.

Many people consider California the state of choice as the sun seems to shine there. However, on occasion driving rain occurs. On one of those nights, Kate Austen on her way home sees a car stopped in the middle of the road. The lone inhabitant of the vehicle is a frightened, cold young woman. Sheryl Ann tells Kate that her boyfriend Bobby went to find them help for their flat tire.

Kate persuades the bewildered Sheryl Ann to take a blanket out of the trunk. At the moment the trunk is opened Bobby returns and quickly realizes that Kate saw the corpse that was lying inside the trunk. He knows they must dispose of Kate. They abduct her planning to murder her later. However, the two women have illogically bonded already. Sheryl Ann frees Kate before she vanishes. The police arrive only to find the bullet-ridden body of Bobby. They suspect Kate killed the "victim" and even her police officer significant other has doubts about Kate's story.

The fourth Kate Austen mystery is better than the precious previous three novels in this delightful series. The characters are sharper and much clearly defined. The compelling story line is exciting and fast-paced while the narration propels the plot forward. MURDER AMONG STRANGERS shows Jonnie Jacobs has the ability to hypnotize her audience by making them care about Kate, her children, and her significant other within the inside of a mesmerizing novel.

Harriet Klausner

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