Murder Talks Turkey

It's "The Fugitive," geriatric-style, in Deb Baker's third Yooper mystery featuring sixty-six year-old Gertie Johnson. When a bank robber misguidedly attempts to rob the bank (not the brightest decision in a town where nearly all the citizens fulfill their right to bear arms) and is shot dead, you would think that the case would be closed. It would be if not for the fact that no one is owning up to shooting the robber, and while the bank is showing a loss of funds the bag of money held by the criminal was from a Monopoly game. With the sheriff, Gertie's son Blaze, suffering from Malaria-induced Vietnam flashbacks that make him even less helpful than usual, the replacement deputy is bent on solving the case; especially when al the evidence seems to point towards Gert. A body is left by her pickup truck with her son's weapon left by the corpse, so Gert goes on the lam aided and hindered by her best friends and mother-in-law. Wigged out, undercover, and destroying a few law enforcement vehicles, Gert is determined to protect her family and prove her innocence. Once again Baker creates a delightful mystery with a heroine who is feisty, strong, and never a caricature. Despite its cast of comical and unique characters the plot never takes a second seat and carries the reader swiftly through to the end. Full of humor with a surprising amount of emotional resonance as Gert finds herself isolated and persecuted, Death Talk Turkeys continues to entertain in this strong series with completely original characters and a fun plot.

If you haven't read Deb Baker's other Yooper mysteries, you are way behind. I loved MURDER PASSES THE BUCK so much I went out and found Deb at a booksigning to tell her that she'd captured the characters in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (Yoopers) dead on. Whether real or creations of Deb's mind, they're rugged individuals with heart and humor. Gertie and her friends will charm you even if you've never been north of Detroit. I introduced my husband to the series, and he read as eagerly as I. We waited anxiously for MURDER GRINS AND BEARS IT and even longer for MURDER TALKS TURKEY. Neither was a disappointment. Gertie is true to herself and always in trouble, and the surrounding cast of characters, the setting, and even the crimes they solve are all top-notch and great fun, so enjoy.

Although I have several of her Dolls To Die For Mysteries on my bookshelves, Murder Talks Turkey is the first Deb Baker novel that I've read, actually. What a hoot! Yep, her other books have now moved waaaaaaaay up on my TBR list. I'll admit, before reading this book, I had NO clue as to the definition of a Yooper - in fact, I don't believe I've ever heard the term before. Shocking, eh? Deb Baker does the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and its inhabitants proud. Having spent the majority of my life in places in the West where absolutely everyone over the age of 10 knows how to use a firearm - the enclave of quirky characters residing in Stonely, Michigan totally resonates with me. Gertie Johnson, 66-year-old grandmother and widow, along with her good friends Cora Mae and Kitty, make up the Trouble Buster Investigative Company. Although their business is in its infancy, they have garnered their first real paying client - sort of. The investigation has barely gotten off the ground, when the Stonely Credit Union is robbed, with Gertie and Cora Mae inside. The robber is brought down by gunfire, but the real mystery begins when none of the sheriff's men take credit for the kill, and the dead robber is found to be holding a bag full of play money. What transpires is a testament to Murphy's Law, "what can go wrong, will go wrong," and it does - with a vengeance. It reminds me of when one hears a story that is so incredibly unbelievable that it just might be true. Who could make up this stuff, you know? Gertie gets herself in so much hot water that there doesn't seem to be ANY way out, but with the help of her good friends and family (even the irascible Grandma Johnson), Gertie manages to come out smelling like a rose, albeit a bit worse for wear. The book is very fast paced - I read it in just an afternoon. The characters are full-bodied and enjoyable, and Gertie's sarcastic wit had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. The ending portends interesting things to come - I'll definitely be on the look out for the next Yooper Mystery! Carol Ann Hopkins 5/5/2008