Dead in Fairmount Park [Paperback]

Maria Watson-Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 17, 2003

Michelle Burns, Philadelphia Police Lieutenant, like other female African American lieutenants without a squad to command, was buried behind a desk in homicide. That all changed when the third body was found in Fairmount Park's nature trails. Three young African American males mutilated and left with no clues.When the political heat hit the fan, Michelle is assigned to her first command to lead the newly formed task force to solve these murders, against the wishes of some members of the department.The investigation takes a personal turn, when Michelle, along with her dog Maxwell, finds the mutilated body of her dear friend and neighbor nestled in a group of trees along Forbidden Drive in Fairmount Park. Later she receives a cryptic note with a photograph of herself and Maxwell kneeling beside the body.With the city's eyes upon her task force, Michelle has to deal with the politics of the police department, an upcoming captain's exam, and a mother who wants her to change careers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Maria Watson and her twin sister Margie were part of the first 100 women police officer hire for patrol duty in Philadelphia in 1976. Maria was assigned to uniform patrol, narcotics, juvenile aid division and sex crime?s child abuse unit. She lives in Philadelphia with her family.

Product Details

• Paperback: 238 pages
• Publisher: IUniverse (September 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595287379
• ISBN-13: 978-0595287376
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,112,419 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dead in Fairmount Park, January 5, 2004

By 

Alfreda Mitchell (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dead in Fairmount Park (Paperback)

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel "Dead in Fairmount Park." I enjoyed the infusioon of the different landmarks of Philadelphia being a native of Philadelphia. Although, there was no explicit sex in this novel you could still feel the love that generated between Bryan and Michele and the positive need they had for each other.
Michele was pictured as a strong independent woman. Yet, feminine and aware of her need for love. Bryan a strong black male who could be vulnerable to love yet a tower of strenght that Michele needed at the right time.
Let's not forget the real hero of this novel, Maxwell. I enjoyed his presence and the protection he gave Michele. Although, this was a murder mystery, I enjoyed everything about it. I am looking forward to your next novel.

Sincerely a Fan

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Philly based mystery..., December 28, 2003

By 

"mr_perfect_mix" (Hollywood, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dead in Fairmount Park (Paperback)

I have to say that I love this book!! From the opening to the last few pages, I loved all of the many aspects of 'Dead in Fairmount Park'. Since moving to the West Coast, I haven't had much contact with the Philly scene. Reading the book bought back memories and gave me a jolt as I read the book. Plenty of tension and major politics are in action to oppose the herione. What she has to endure is amazing and gives you someone to root for.

I'm looking for the next installment of, hopefully, more of a series featuring Michelle Burns, detective.

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Read, November 18, 2003

By 

Harry Wright (Bala Cynwyd, Pa.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dead in Fairmount Park (Paperback)

I judge a book using several criteria. First, are the characters interesting and compelling enough that I invest in them and care what happens to them. Secondly, with a good book I don't want it to end and when it does, feel like I have said goodbye to a good friend. In "Dead In Fairmount Park", the Author has fulfilled both criteria. Lt. Michelle Burns, Brian and other characters are not one demensional but seem real. I finished the book in two days and was disappointed when I realized a second book is not yet available.