Book Review: The Victory Dance Murder

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Victory Dance Murder     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
M. T. Jefferson
Class/Genre:   Mystery   WW II   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Kate Fallon # 1
Berkley, Jan 2000, $5.99, 208 pp.

Residents of quiet Robinsville, Pennsylvania are doing whatever they can to help America win World War II. Not too long after Pearl Harbor, the townsfolk hosts a victory rally and dance where supplies and money can be donated to support the war effort. Book Nook owner Ms. Beatrice Bradshaw and mystery enthusiast Kate Fallon are sponsoring the event.

A few days before the festivities occur, tragedy strikes. Kate’s friend Nancy Edinger is found murdered one day after she informs Kate she is going to meet her two-timing boyfriend. The police suspect the boyfriend Freddy Johnson of murder. Kate knows he could never hurt anyone. When the town troublemaker is also killed, the police link Freddy to both crimes. A third murder occurs involving an author writing the true crime story of local burglary turned deadly. Kate believes all four killings are related with a diabolically clever person trying to pin the rap on Freddy.

THE VICTORY DANCE MURDER captures the atmosphere of small town America just after the Pearl harbor attack. Though the era comes alive, the book lacks tension and thus loses reader interest for periods of time. Conversely, Kate is a great character who will gain fan support, especially if M.T. Jefferson can turn up the heat with the promising “Homefront” mysteries.

Harriet Klausner

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