Book Review: Intervention

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

[3.5 stars]

Intervention Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Marilyn Meredith
Class/Genre: Mystery
Series: Tempe Crabtree Mystery # 3
Golden Eagle Press, 2001, $ 7.95

In Meredith's new novel, Deputy Tempe Crabtree is on holiday with her husband with her husband. Upon venturing into a hotel in the mountains, they are no sooner snowbound when a film star is murdered. Can Tempe identify the killers when nearly everyone in the hotel had a motive?

Being marooned somewhere, especially in a snowbound hotel, is an old trick that has been used many times before. I think it was Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining' that struck me the most as I read the novel, as Meredith uses pathetic fallacy as well as skilful writing to craft a short, but readable murder mystery.

The author succeeds in creating some interesting characters and when the identity of the murderer is revealed, it is somewhat of a surprise. Meredith lays false trails, building up the evidence against each character before moving onto the next one, who seems even more of a likely bet.

Crabtree is a strong character and the mixture of Native American religion with her husband's Christianity makes a useful blend. Her husband is made very human, as we sympathise with his feelings of disappointment that Crabtree must investigate the case instead of spending deserved holiday time getting away from it all.

Overall, 'Intervention' is a enjoyable and interesting mystery story that will pass an hour or so. It is short, but there is no real need for it to be any longer. The plot proceeds well and the events take place over a short space of time. To have made it longer would have spoilt it. If you are a fan of small-town mysteries, this is for you. Those who like hardboiled thrillers will not find much here of interest, though.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
http://lukecroll.translatorscafe.com

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