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Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
Linda Lovely's premier mystery book Dear Killer is a fun summer read. Mystery sleuths will like the main character of retired military intelligence officer Marley Clark. She is an engaging, middle-aged, widow who is drawn to excitement and mystery. She lives in the low country of the Carolinas, and the description of the environment are some of the highlights of the book. When Marley finds a male resident drowned in a hot tub, the mystery begins in earnest. Ruled a murder, Marley steps right in and is assigned a deputy named Braden Mann, who instantly captures her romantic interest. The two are not at all shy about their mutual attraction and they soon find themselves entangled not only in another murder, but in the bedroom as well. Marley's best friend and nosey neighbor Janie works at a real estate company, and she factors into the scenario as she provides both clues and intrusive visits to Marley's house.
I really love Lovely's down-home and believable characters and Dear Killer is chock full of them. The townsfolk have their own set of values as well as loyalties, and these characteristics either facilitate or impede the ongoing investigation. At times, I felt the romantic pursuit interfered with the development of the mystery but for the most part, it was enjoyable and many readers will be happy for Marley's venture into the romantic arena after the loss of her husband. I felt a bit shortchanged on information about the lost young girl, Sharlana, as her inclusion was essential to the plot. But, all in all, I loved the book and would recommend it to mystery readers who love to explore without all the gore and mutilation of many mystery stories.
