Book Review: Better Off Dead

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Better Off Dead     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Katy Munger
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Humorous   Woman Main Character
Series: Casey Jones # 5
Avon, Jun 2001, $5.99

Tough and able to keep her head during a crisis, Durham, North Carolina private detective Casey Jones does not own an official sleuthing license because she did time. Minor problem to Casey as she still handles inquiries for clients. Helen Pugh was raped, tortured, and left to die, but somehow she survived. Already suffering from an extreme case of agoraphobia, her attacker begins calling her saying he plans to finish the job.

Helen thinks Duke University Professor David Brookhouse attacked her, but his high priced attorney persuaded the jury otherwise when the case went to trial. Casey goes undercover as a student in one of Brookhouse's classes to see what dirt she find on him, not yet realizing how her action places herself and her loved ones in danger from a clever sociopath.

BETTER OFF DEAD is an exciting thriller starring an intrepid heroine and a host of eccentric characters, which eases some of the tension from the non-stop action. Katy Munger is a bright star who keeps her readers' attention until the climax, an ending that is not as tidy as most genre books. Fans should read this marvelous novel.

Harriet Klausner

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