Marriage Can Be Murder
Maureen MackeyRomantic suspense
Available from Awe-Struck Ebooks
ISBN: 1-58749-411-6
February 2004
| Not only is Francie Steele a single mother to beautiful five-year-old Savannah but she is also finishing her final semester at a university in Portland, Oregon and working part time at the University's loan office. The formidable Professor Samuel Pope was appointed Francie's faculty advisor when she returned to finish her degree. A relationship had blossomed between the two after Sam helped to save Francie and Savannah's lives while solving a murder. Now a year later, as Francie's graduation approaches Sam finally asks her to marry him.
But even before they can announce their engagement, it is discovered that one of the Sam's colleague's in the English department has committed suicide. Francie, who had spoken with Lillie Addison earlier that day, finds it suspicious. Encouraged by Lillie's cousin, Rebecca, Francie decides to look into the situation, in between work, finals, and wedding plans. As Francie delves deeper into Lillie's life though she may be putting both her and Sam's lives in danger. Marriage can be Murder is a fantastic mystery that had me hooked from the very first line. Francie's voice rang true through superb first person narration. I was completely caught up in the life of Sam and Francie and her daughter Savannah. The well-rounded characters and setting pull the reader into the believable world in which Francie lives. The focus of this novel is not on two people falling in love but the life that surrounds an already solid, loving relationship. There is a sweet sexual tension that builds throughout the book, but nothing more than a few kisses. Sam and Francie make a wonderful couple that I felt were truly in love. Although Marriage can be Murder is the second book in Ms. MacKay's Francie and Sam series, this story maybe read first as the background from Bound by Blood is fully explained. I do have to admit I enjoyed the story much more for the relationship between the characters and the remarkable craziness caused by planning the wedding and Francie's mothers wish for that wedding than the actual mystery. I felt the murder investigation, understandably, became secondary to everything else Francie was trying to do - from graduating, to getting married, to moving to a new home. I was impressed with how Ms. Mackay realistically showed Francie's hectic life with out confusing the reader with all the action that happens in a very short time frame. This delightful mystery with suspense, strong and engaging characters, and some surprising twists and turns.
Overall rating:
Reviewer: Larenda Twigg |
