Pluto Rising: A Katy Klein Mystery

Ms. Irving's books are a sweet treat. I can't recall how I happened upon them, but I am glad I did. Her stories are expertly cast and have intelligent writing and sophisticated stories. Her writing is like smooth butter or fine silk. They are set in Canada, but don't let that bother you if you don't like settings outside the US. The protagonist is a psychologist/astrologer but if metaphysical things bother you, don't worry. It doesn't overtake the story, but for those of us who love it, it's a nice sprinkle of information. This writer certainly knows her astrology. The sleuth is also Jewish, which adds a nice dimension. Everything is PERFECTLY balanced and extremely interesting. Her writing is up there with Stephen White and Jonathan Kellerman, maybe even better. Her writing is fresh and smart, deserving of the attention they get. Start from the beginning just to enjoy the three that are out so far---or just dive in. I tell you, if you love mysteries, there is nothing missing from this series. Nothing. It's sophisticated, it's engaging, it's witty, it's profound, it's complex, it's simple, it's serious ... you get my point. It has all the elements of life, life with all of its wonderful mysteries.

If you think a mystery with an astologer-sleuth sounds like it might be a little too cute or New Age for you, think again! New mystery author Karen Irving's sleuth, Katy Klein is a recently-retired psychologist, who enhances her knowledge and experience as a mental health therapist with a thorough understanding of her clients' astrological birth charts to produce a new kind of detective. What you might expect to be light, fluffy and fast-paced fun turns out to be much more -- serious and suspenseful stuff, in fact.In PLUTO RISING, while working hard to make ends meet for herself and her teenaged daughter, Katy is confronted by a mysterious and threatening new client. She has no inkling this appointment will unleash a series of events that will bring her face to face with a vicious killer. Not only must she uncover the secrets of Adam's long-forgotten childhood, but she is forced to confront her own worst memories, as well.One of the book's strengths is Katy's strong, yet vulnerable personality. Add in a warm and fuzzy cast of friends and family, and Ms. Irving's wonderfully entertaining narrative voice, and it all adds up to a winning new mystery series! I loved this first mystery novel. Karen Irving is a long-awaited fresh, new voice in the mystery field.

First in a series, PLUTO RISING introduces Katy Klein, former psychologist, turned professional astrologer. In an edge-of-the-chair page-turner, Karen Irving keeps the reader enthralled until the very end.Katy Klein's entire life takes a dramatic turn after a strange man named Adam shows up on her doorstep and begs her to tell him about himself. Intrigued despite herself, Katy delves deeper into this man's past, only to become entangled in a waking nightmare from which there seems no waking. When her daughter becomes involved, Katy has no choice but to enter Adam's world, discovering the darkness within. Using a mix of astrological charts, psychology and plain curiosity, Irving draws us in from the very first page and keeps us reading until it's over. A fantastic debut mystery with a great amateur sleuth and well-developed characters! Don't miss this one!

I really enjoyed this book, and found it so intriguing that I had no choice but to read it in one sitting. The sometimes intense storyline is balanced by warmly drawn characters. Katy Klein's world is an excellent place to visit and I'm very much looking forward to Irving's next entry.

Katy Klein comes to us in full realization. Karen Irving does a bang-up job in making her characters come alive. She paints vivid word pictures and never lets us forget we're hanging on in a mystery that moves. From the first unsettling line to its climax, PLUTO RISING will keep you turning pages. Astrologer Katy Klein takes on a client and when something deep inside warns her to beware, it's too late. She's trapped by an unwise choice. The client is not who he appears to be but that's only the beginning. As Katy is drawn into the mysterious man's life, it affects her whole existence. When her daughter is sucked in, things look dark indeed.Don't read this one late at night when you're alone. If you do, keep checking the doors and windows.