Introducg C.B.Greenfld

Lucille Kallen has a very light touch and never wonders too far from what she knows in Introducing C. B. Greenfield. The mystery is never very threatening or suspenseful (or, for that matter, mysterious) and it relies far too heavily on coincidence for its momentum. But is it still a joyful read if only for listening to the narrator Maggie's inner voice and her boss', C.B. Greenfield, outer one. The author uses her skills learned in writing comedy sketches for television to keep the slight story moving in a gentle, humourous fashion that may appeal more to readers of domestic comedies of an earlier generation (think Shirley Jackson's Raising Demons) than mystery readers. A little joy.

Good writing is good writing is good writing -- wherever one finds it. Even if you're not a fan of mysteries, if you love witty and excellent writing, as well as unforgettable characters and clever plots, you won't regret reading this book. If you remember "Your Show of Shows" from television's golden age, you'll understand the high praise for this book, because the author was one of the writers of that masterpiece of wit and erudition -- the only woman so honored. Maggie Rome is a woman that other women will enjoy reading about: she has a husband, two sons, a dog, a career, and occasionally fibs about her age--but only by three years. She is perceptive, a good cook, although a somewhat recalcitrant housekeeper, an amateur pianist of some capability, and the star reporter of the Sloan's Ford Reporter. The C. B. Greenfield of the title is the owner and publisher of the weekly paper in upstate New York, a cellist and music lover, and a man whose way with words and love of puzzles exasperates Maggie almost beyond bearing. Sometimes. This is the first of five stories about Maggie and C.B.,--I'd already read one of the others--and have every intention of reading the others. In fact, I intend to search out all the books and add them to my collection; I need them handy to re-read when I need a pick-me-up. I wish that one of the publishers of mystery stories would bring them out again in new editions. Unfortunately, it would be too late for the author, whose pen was stilled in January 1999. We're all diminished by her passing.