Book Review: Wingbeat

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

Wingbeat     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Marilyn Meredith
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Native American   Cozy
Series: Tempe Crabtree Mystery
Golden Eagle Press, 2004, 221 pages

In the latest of Marilyn Meredith’s cozy mystery series featuring Deputy Tempe Crabtree, the police officer finds herself investigating a marijuana farm, a murder and a flasher, the latter bearing a striking resemblance to her husband, Hutch. Will she be able to bring about a successful resolution for all concerned?

Once again, Meredith has written a pleasant, easy novel. Placing Tempe in her native Bear Creek allows her numerous possibilities related to some of the community’s rejection and revulsion at Hutch when he is believed to be a man who exposes himself to children, as well as enabling Tempe to exploit her local knowledge and her relationship with the inhabitants. The pages slip by quickly, as there is nothing too taxing here.

Meredith has created some interesting characters and as usual, she includes some information about Tempe’s Native American history and beliefs. In previous novels, they have been somewhat in opposition to that of her husband, as a pastor, but here, Hutch seems more open and accepting of them.

Overall, ‘Wing Beat’ is a simple, yet greatly enjoyable novel. Although there is a murder, it is not gruesome and therefore, enables the book to fit into the cozy genre, even with its fast pace. A pleasant read that will satisfy fans of cozy mysteries.

Luke Croll - RAM

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

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
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