Fresh Kills

Although I have read -- and enjoyed -- virtually every book in every series by the most famous female mystery writers, Carolyn Wheat unequivocally remains my favorite. This series is about a Legal Aid attorney named Cass Jameson. As such, it introduces fascinating glimpses into seldom-seen areas of the legal system -- along with providing excellent mysteries. This is one series I buy in hardcover as soon as each book is published.The books are all very well-written, fast-moving, and entertaining. I cannot sufficiently recommend them. IMHO, this is the best mystery series available.

Although somewhat slow to really grab me by the throat and not let go, Carolyn Wheat's second Cass Jamison mystery novel finally caught my interest and never gave up. Cass, a late-30-ish NY attorney, is roped into representing a birth mother in a private adoption spearheaded by her old law school roommate. What seems simple, of course, is not. Cass finds the uncomplicated legal aspects of adoption are not the problem; the birth mother's unusual behavior and eventual murder make it far more complex than she ever dreamed. As an adoptive parent (through an agency) and the husband of 40-something lady lawyer with a family law practice, this book opened my eyes to the dangers, thrills, and heartache of adoption when improperly done. The plot is deftly drawn, with a logical but surprising conclusion. Heartily recommended--even if you don't have a particular interest in adoption.