Murder Well Bred
Carolyn BanksMystery
Available from Amber Quill Press
ISBN: 1-59279-863-2
February 2004
| When her husband, Jeet, travels to Mexico as a food critic to sample the cuisine and write reviews for the Austin Daily Progress, Robin Vaughn tags along under the guise of a free-lance journalist. Her goal is to interview a famed Dressage master named Hans Bell, but nothing pans out. Her interviewing skills are dismal and the minute she mentions Milagro, it becomes clear that she’s overstayed her welcome. Still, she’s determined to find about more about this mysterious horse ranch, and eventually finds it... along with an old friend from Texas, Marilee Hart, who seems to have something to hide, and it has to do with a magnificent piece of horseflesh. Somehow this vacation in Mexico turns into a nightmare of secrets that lead to kidnap and murder.
Murder Well Bred by Carolyn Banks is a potpourri of humor, suspense, geography, and equestrian facts all written in ‘first person’ about an equally encompassing cast of characters. It reads more as a diary than a novel, and rather than being drawn into the action and feeling as though you experience it firsthand, it seems as though you are having a private conversation with the author, getting a step-by-step accounting of what is happening--sometimes to the point of distraction. Ms. Banks has a wonderful penchant for humor, and although in some parts of the story it seemed misplaced, you'll appreciate it enough to keep reading and chuckling. The contrast between Jeet and Robin is sure to reel you in, and the secondary cast certainly lend color to the plot, but those who are used to reading in "third person" will be challenged to retain interest enough to finish. It’s apparent that Ms. Banks is a seasoned writer with a wonderful wit, and if you enjoy ‘first person sto! ries’ you’ll most likely enjoy this one.
Overall rating:
Reviewer: Brett Scott |
