The Muted Mermaid

Let's just say I no sooner finished this novel than I ordered the sequel, Shaved Ice. Mermaid drives and shifts with the dramatic urgency of a Scorsese flick. The ending has a nostalgic flair and sweetness reminiscent of "Casablanca," not to mention a similarly artful convergence of plot threads, even as the jolt of an epilogue hurls the reader toward the sequel. The movie comparisons are no coincidence: there's a bold cinematic quality from the intriguing opening image to the sweeping, satisfying closing sequence.

This is a really good story. The plot flips around like a mermaid's tail in a current; you never know where it's going next. Most of the characters are characters - a little quirky, humorous, adventurous and insightful. Others can be pretty dark. They are all real. The balance of the unpredictable plot, the focused dialogue, the characters' personalities, the humor and the tension all combine to draw you in and make you want to find out what's going to happen next. I can't wait for the next book!

If you are looking for murder and intrigue, this is it. I could not put the book down. I loved the characters...I thought all through the book how can people get away with things like this and I couldn't wait to find out what was around the corner. But alas, the book has ended and I am now wanting more. Let me know when the next book comes out, can't wait!The Muted Mermaid

Finding a body is never the end of a vacation that anyone wants in their life. That's exactly what happens to Ledge Trabue though. "The Muted Mermaid" tells of a tale where the Nashville police rule the young woman's mysterious death - a suicide. For Trabue, it was too quick, and things get stranger when the deceased's father accuse him of his daughter's murder. Trabue has to clear the fog that completely surrounds the city to find the truth - and expose the corrupt forces of the town. "The Muted Mermaid" is highly recommended for community library mystery collections and for anyone who wants a good detective story.

The Muted Mermaid is filled with characters you'd want to meet AND avoid. I eased into this book and found that I truly had to finish it-I wanted to know more about the people and what happened. The jacket comments were spot-on, not the usual hype. I want to read more from this author!