Book Review: Sorrow's Crown

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Sorrow's Crown     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Tom Piccirilli
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Write way, Jan 1999, $21.95, 231 pp.

Although rare book dealer Jon Kendrick left Felicity Grove as soon as he was able, he returns to the small town because of the two women in his life. His grandmother Anna Lucas, and his lover and mother of his unborn child Katie who live there and never plan to relocate. Both ladies pray that Jon will permanently relocate there, but he feels the townsfolk would not want a rare book store in their town.

Neither woman is providing much pressure on the reluctant Jon, but he presses himself to make a decision. To ignore his personal dilemma even temporarily, Jon focuses on some recent local killings. In a cemetery, the son of the most powerful local developer was recently found murdered with his face cut off. The eccentric caretaker of the cemetery is charged with the crime, but Jon cannot accept the simplicity of the solution. He begins to inquire since he knows that his gentle friend could never do such a vicious act.

Tom Piccirelli seems to get better and better with each new novel he writes. As good as his previous novels are, SORROW'S CROWN is by far his best work. This time, he cleverly allows readers free access into the mind of the protagonist, which, in turn, provides the audience an opportunity to understand what motivates and frightens Jon. Jon is a real hero and readers will admire him for being one.

Harriet Klausner

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

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