Murder by Masquerade

D. R. Meredith's series featuring Texas lawyer extraordinaire, John Lloyd Branson, is outstanding for the crispness of the writing. Her writing style exceeds the genre. The character of Branson owes much to Sherlock Holmes (Victorian language patterns except under extreme stress, style of dress, physical characteristics, incisiveness of mind), updated to c1990; his law clerk and future law partner, Lydia Fairchild, reflects many of the characteristics of Irene Adler, "the woman" in Holmes's life. The developing relationship between the two makes it a good idea to read the series in order (Murder by Impulse #1, Murder by Deception #2), since the relationship is key. The second important relationship is the working one between Amarillo's Major Crimes Sgt. Schroder and his reluctant helper, Traffic Sgt. Jenner. Jenner much prefers his own specialty but is frequently seconded to Schroder for homicide investigations. These policemen, however, are not the stereotyped hacks Holmes deals with--both are perceptive and driven for a passion for justice. The point of view alternates between Lydia and Jenner, with little repetition since chapter divisions are neatly done. Characterization is first rate. All four are people it would be interesting to know. The plot is well constructed but, for me, secondary to the characters. A serial killer is consciously duplicating the murders of Jack the Ripper, murdering prostitutes in Amarillo, one of whom had appealed to John Lloyd for help. While John Lloyd tries to protect Lydia by firing her and sending her back to law school at SMU, she goes undercover on the Boulevard in Amarillo to investigate "the Butcher." Her adventures there are funny, yet terrifying in the life depicted for the residents of the Boulevard. The plot moves quickly; the clues are well-placed and fair, even though an experienced mystery fan will probably identify the murderer well before the end of the story. Blood and gore abound but are seen as they affect the characters, not in graphic detail. This series is well worth the time.