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Reviewed by Stephanie Dagg for Readers' Favorite
"Emma Winberry and the Evil Eye" by Helen Macie Osterman is an entertaining mystery novel with a mature heroine. The scene of action switches between historic Murano and present day Italy and America as the story develops. Emma gets a walk-on part at the Midwest Opera House for the next opera taking place there and meets the intriguing Nate Sandler in the process. Famous tenor Marcantonio Sperenza is the leading man in the opera to the fury of a rival opera singer. He seems to have a lot of enemies. And there is also Angelo and Bruno to throw into the mix. Emma is bothered by troubling dreams that drive her to warn Sperenza that he is in danger, although she can’t say exactly from who or what. But her Guardian Angel insists something is wrong. Needless to say, Sperenza disregards her fears and during a performance on stage, things get a little exciting. Emma suddenly has a lot on her hands.
This is an enjoyable, easy-to-read mystery - a so-called cozy book. However, that description belies the author’s skill and imagination and her really good writing. This is a carefully crafted novel, well-structured and peopled by totally rounded and plausible characters. Emma isn’t simply another Miss Marple wannabe. She is a deep, complex person, missing her deceased husband and keeping herself busy, bothered by foreboding dreams. She is confused to suddenly find that she is attracted to another man. She is courageous on the whole, but has her failings. There is real horror and suspense in this mystery, along with humor, romance and sheer entertainment. The reader is totally drawn into this absorbing novel. More please!
