Friday, November 16, 2012

Extra Credit-Maggie Barbieri

Extra Credit

Maggie Barbieri

Minotaur, Dec 11 2012, $24.99
ISBN: 9781250001887



In Westchester County, New York, NYPD Detective Bobby Crawford and his ex-wife Christine celebra te their twin daughters’ nineteenth birthday. Family attending the bash is Bobby’s wife Professor Alison Bergeron and Christine’s husband and his four children. Christine’s brother Uncle Chick, who no one has seen or heard from in years, makes a surprise visit. He gives $5,000 each to the twins.



After the shock wears off, Bobby and Christine agree to return the loot to Uncle Chick. Bobby and Alison visit Chick only to find him near death. The police arrive and find $250,000 inside the mattress. The cops conclude suicide, but Christine believes someone murdered her sibling. While her friends (Max, Fred and ex-priest Kevin) warn Alison to not investigate, they assist her when she does.



The latest Murder 101 amateur sleuth (see Physical Education, Third Degree, Final Exam and Quick Study) is an engaging extended family affair that reflects the complex relationships. The cast is solid in support of the heroine who feels out of her element hosting a teen bash but in her element detecting; while explaining to Max and fans why she obsessively must investigate. Readers will enjoy this entertaining whodunit



Harriet Klausner

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