Book Review: East of Peculiar

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

East of Peculiar     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Suzann Ledbetter
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Humorous   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Hannah Garvey
Mira, May 2000, $5.99, 384 pp.

After more than two decades of working at a high pressure job at a Chicago advertising agency, Hannah Garvey decides to quit the rat race. She accepts a position as the resident manager for the upscale Missouri retirement community of Valhalla Springs because the place is just beyond Reclusive and in the center of Serenity County. She knows that this job will finally allow her to relax.

Her first week on her new job requires Hannah to reassess her thoughts of peace and quiet when someone murders an elderly resident. To her surprise, Hannah finds herself attracted to the head of the homicide investigation, County Sheriff Dave Hendrickson who is seven years her junior. Her being much older disturbs Hannah, but Dave wants to spend quality time alone with her. However, a second murder keeps him busy, especially when the senior citizens turn vigilante.

Readers who like their humor served up in an Irma Bombeck style will appreciate the eccentric EAST OF PECULIAR even when the comedy turns occasionally flat. The personalities of the elderly and their actions are a major reason the story line is so enjoyable. Although the romance adds to the fun, this contemporary will appeal to mainstream readers.

Harriet Klausner

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