Cold-Case Killer

Keely Moreno is a foot reflexologist working in The Florida Keys. One of her customers, Maxine Jackson, tries to talk Keely into helping her prove the innocence of Maxine's son Randy. DNA evidence exonerated Randy from the murder of his then girlfriend, Dyanne Darby, and he was released from prison after spending 20 years. Maxine and Randy want to find the real murderer, hopefully with Keely's help. Keely resists for as long as she can, but she is pulled into the investigation, along with her lover Punt Ashford. What follows is exciting and suspenseful. Also, Dorothy Francis's intimate knowledge of The Florida Keys sets a very vivid picture of this area, and this sense of place in her novel adds to the overall suspense. You will enjoy this great read.

In 1982 Key West, professional diver Randy Jackson is convicted of murdering his girlfriend Dyanne Darby. Years later DNA proved his innocence. The state freed him, but left him with no money or any employment prospects because no one wants to hire an ex-convict. Randy is bitter over his wrongful incarceration and vows on TV to find the culprit. Randy's mom Maxine pleads with her office cleaning client foot reflexologist Keely Moreno to investigate as a favor for her. Keely says no as she was involved in an inquiry once before that almost left her dead (see CONCH SHELL MURDER). Instead she asks her boyfriend private investigator Punt Ashford to help. Punt agrees only because an unknown adversary threatened his beloved Keely. Though she tries to stay out of it, Keely seems to step into the middle of a two decade old homicide whether she wants to or not. The key to this fun investigative tale is Keely who refuses to put her foot into any inquiry as she has learned her lesson; yet in spite of her efforts everyone seems to shove her right into the middle of the mess. The wrongful conviction subplot is fascinating to follow as it subtly supports the notion of using DNA when possible. The prime action comes late because Dorothy Francis provides a deep look inside the souls of her key cast members first. Fans will dive into this fine thriller wondering whether Randy will kill the culprit if uncovered. Harriet Klausner