Book Review: In the Mood For Murder

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

In the Mood For Murder     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
M. T. Jefferson
Class/Genre:   Mystery   WW II   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Kate Fallon # 2
Berkley, Sep 2000, $5.99, 224 pp.

Eleven months have passed since Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. In Pennsylvania, the Fallon family contributes to the American war effort. The eldest daughter Kate works as a welder at the Manyon Precision Metals Company. Last year, Kate solved a double homicide case (see THE VICTORY DANCE MURDERS) but will not sit on her laurels. With seven other women, Kate forms the Molly Pitcher Society, an organization that supports the war by establishing a serviceman’s club and canteen.

An article appears in the local newspaper praising the eight women. However, soon after each one receives a poison pen letter filled with lies, innuendoes, and threats. No one takes the memos seriously until one of the eight commits suicide and another is found dead in her car with a bullet in her heart. Kate agrees with the police that the six survivors are targets. Unable to sit on the sidelines, Kate, encouraged by the police begins sleuthing before more tragedy occurs.

M.T. Jefferson paints a vivid picture of small town America during the early stages of World War II. The point of view shifts between the eight women, making things a bit confusing while instilling a wider perspective once the reader adjusts. The entertaining mystery will appeal to those readers who are IN THE MOOD FOR MURDER inside a well-written historical cozy starring a brave amateur sleuth.

Harriet Klausner

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