Book Review: The Last Blue Plate Special

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Last Blue Plate Special     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Abigail Padgett
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Gay / Lesbian   Psychological Suspense   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Blue McCarron # 2
Mysterious, Mar 2001, $23.95, 295 pp.

African-American prison psychiatrist Roxie Bouchie lives and works in California. While Roxie depends on her intellect to guide her, her partner and lover the highly respected social psychiatrist Blue McCarron lives on emotion and hunches. The duo provides consulting services, which include the San Diego police department as a prime client.

Two state politicians, Senator Mary Grossinger and Assemblywoman Dixie Ross, died of cerebral hemorrhages two weeks apart. Blue and Roxie realize that the odds of the two women dying like this in such a short time are astronomical. A maniac, The Sword of Heaven, is murdering females in high profile positions with the only link between the two legislators' death being having plastic surgery at the same place. However, suspects are plentiful, but impetuous Blue decides to risk her life to flush out the Sword of Heaven killer.

THE LAST BLUE PLATE SPECIAL is a very fine laid out mystery due to a horde of suspects, a land mine of red herrings, and dexterously unexpected twists and turns. Abigail Padgett uses a relationship drama starring two individuals who love and care for each other against all the odds of their making it together o crate a wonderful mystery. Though obviously targeted for fans of medical, psychological, and gay mysteries, the novel provides a mainstream appeal.

Harriet Klausner

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