A Shred of Evidence

Whomever is writing for Ms. Herman's back covers is not doing her novels justice, especially this one. I got into this series late because I just never could get into the idea of this book. But I loved the Baxter series and the Phantom Hollow and I wanted to fill in the blank. The descriptions of her books, never do the books themselves justice in my opinion, but here is a great story about a young family who just moved to Seaport. You begin with just flashes of their story and slowly Herman reveals more and more of their secrets. The ending is somewhat unbelievable, but that doesn't bother me. The journey of the whole book is incredible and the characters may be even stronger in this series than in the Baxter series as there are fewer to focus on. This is a great introduction to a great series.

This is a great book on how things that are taken out of context can become so damageing. Gospip can create so many problems. this is a very well written book and keeps you intrigued throughout the story.

Former newspaper editor, Ellen Jones and her husband Guy, a lawyer, have moved into their new home Seaport, Florida. Ellen works on a novel while Guy commutes to Tallahassee to practice law. At a supermarket Ellen meets two other newcomers depressed and lonely Julie Hamilton and her two years old daughter Sarah Beth. Not long afterward, Ellen is at a diner when she overhears a conversation that accuses Julie's husband Ross of child abuse. Out of fear for the child and the mother Ellen reports what she heard to police chief, who says he will make inquiries. Not feeling that is enough, Ellen investigates Ross. She soon realizes her initial opinion and that of others that he was an abuser seems wrong although he is someone with a shady deadly past as a newspaper article claims he killed two boys, ran over his own son, and is the prime suspect in the disappearance of two missing girls. Ellen fears she waited too long too speak out as Sarah Beth has vanished. The story line grips readers who will worry that Sarah Beth perhaps has been killed by parental abuse, which overshadows the return of the Baxter series stars Ellen and Guy in the first Seaport saga tale. The story line serves as a reminder not to jump to conclusions especially based on gossip and rumors (mindful of Harriet the Spy). Though the moral message is overly pounded with unnecessary cul de sac sidebars, fans of the Baxter tales will enjoy the relocation of the stars. Harriet Klausner

This book was another I highly awaited. I have read all of Kathy's books and yes, they keep getting better. this book takes one of the characters{Ellen} of her previous Baxter Series and starts new in a different location. If you are new to Kathy's wonderful books why not start with this one. A soft chair and a warm blanket........a few kleenex won't hurt. I really enjoyed this book. thank you Kathy, I know you do read these....Trudy