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DEAD END
by Judith Skillings
Avon, March 2004
304 pages
$6.50
ISBN: 0060582987


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

I knew nothing about classic car restoration before reading DEAD END but I have now become better informed and the process was painless! I always enjoy the mystery which elucidates not only a solution to a crime but also a particular line of work.

Comparisons would be with Virginia Lanier's Bloodhound books which showed me how a bloodhound tracks lost children or criminals in the Georgia swamps, or Nevada Barr's park ranger, Anna Pigeon who works in remote parks throughout the United States. I suppose Dick Francis was the first author that I read who had this skill of illuminating a different world in which I had never had a real interest.

Judith Skillings has the right amount of explanatory detail so that the background to the events is enriched. The small town of Headland, Maryland, with its diner as the hub of activity on the one main street makes a good setting for the car business and a good background for the murder of a local businessman.

Rebecca Moore, the owner of Vintage and Classics, finds a naked murdered man in a machine in her shop. He has, as is de rigeur in murder mysteries, many possible enemies in his public and private life. To Rebecca he is a rival in business, to his wife he is an unfaithful spouse and to his clients he is an unreliable worker. The story soon escalates with shocking event piled on shocking event. The characters quickly include a handsome visitor to town who is a cop and who has vague connections to Rebecca's past.

This story moves along briskly and soon engenders sympathy for the car business employees as well as their boss. Arson, more death and blackmail enter the mix which really sizzles! This is an enjoyable read from a skilful writer.

Reviewed by Jennifer S. Palmer, January 2004

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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