Book Review: Deadly Omen

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Deadly Omen     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Marilyn Meredith
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Series: Tempe Crabtree Mystery # 1
Golden Eagle, Oct 1999, $7.95, 255 pp.

Bear Creek deputy sheriff Tempe Crabtree is part Yanduchi. She has a son from a previous relationship and recently married a minister. Though she resides near the Yanduchi Reservation, she knows very little about that part of her heritage. Her superior Sergeant Guthrie assigns Tempe to keep the peace on the reservation during the Pow Wow.. That provides Tempe with chances to learn about her people, which simply fascinates her.

However, her enjoyment in her current assignment ends when Tempe finds the murdered corpse of Mariella Kelso. The very popular teen was considered a sure shot to become the next Princess of the Pow Wow. Though the homicide detectives conduct the official case, Tempe operates her own investigation on own time where she finds suspects overlooked by her peers.

Though this is the first Tempe Crabtree mystery, Marilyn Meredith provides much insight into the characters so that readers feel they previously met them. At the same time, the intriguing who-done-it provides many viable suspects with motives, means, and opportunities that surface as the book progresses. The addition of attaining understanding and knowledge about life on the Yanduchi Reservation adds depth to an entertaining tale. Fans of Native American mysteries will take much pleasure from DEADLY OMEN and want similar stories from Ms. Meredith.

Harriet Klausner

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