Book Review: A Case to Answer

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

A Case to Answer     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Margaret Yorke
Class/Genre:   Mystery
St. Martin's, Dec 2001, $24.95, 336 pp.

Though Charlotte was a widow for many years, she is content with her lot in life. However, when Rubert, a person she knows from her charity work, begins courting her, Charlotte feels her life expanding. When they marry, she becomes a society grand dame because her new spouse is an industry scion. They enjoy two blissful years together before Robert suddenly dies. His two adult children from a previous marriage move her out of the estate, but buy her a home in the middle of nowhere so she can start over elsewhere.

However, before she can get adjusted to her new home, Rubert's daughter persuades Charlotte to take in her troubled niece Imogen. The young woman, distraught over the separation of her parents, left school and is now pregnant. Charlotte readily agrees unaware that the payment for her kindness will be her death.

Margaret Yorke, winner of the 1999 British Crime Writers Diamond Dagger Award, proves she remains the mistress of suspense with her latest chiller. The characters are realistic yet haunting as none are evil but suffer, victims of an unjust fate. The rapidly moving plot makes A CASE TO ANSWER a one sitting book that will not require a break.

Harriet Klausner

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