2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dead Wreckoning by Sylvia Dickey Smith, December 18, 2009
This review is from: Dead Wreckoning (Paperback)
Dead Wreckoning is the third book in the Sidra Smart series. Author Sylvia Dickey Smith describes and develops her protagonist so well, that those who have not read the prequels will quickly feel as though the private investigator is an old friend. It is a time for fresh starts. Sidra has just received her P.I. license and is ready to take on cases without the assistance of her friend and mentor, George Léger. After 30 years in a stifling marriage to a pastor, Sidra is newly divorced and recently engaged to her adoring boyfriend. She has inherited her late brother's detective agency and is rebuilding her office after a firebombing.
A former client, Durwood, visits Sidra and presents a potential case. Durwood's friend, Boo Murphy, has been accused of murdering her cousin's husband, a man named Zeke. Boo has a history with Zeke, as she once fired her gun in his direction. With the climbing costs of rebuilding her office, Sidra has no plans to take on a pro-bono case. Nevertheless, the plight of Boo, the cantankerous senior, catches Sidra's interest. Especially when Boo recounts a fantastic story about seeing an old, lost pirate ship in a Texas swamp and climbing aboard the once sunken vessel. The sheriff doesn't care about pirate treasure or lost ships...he is out to catch a murderer and is certain Boo is the killer.
In her quest to clear Boo of homicide, Sidra must find the lost schooner. Along the way, she uncovers evidence that her mentor George Léger is involved in illegal activities, as well as centuries-old family clan wars, smugglers and the spirit image of eighteenth century pirate queen, Mary Anne Radcliff, aboard a ghost ship. Throw in narrow escapes after several attempts on her life and you have an exciting, page-turning thriller.
Many modern mystery writers use brutal violence, sex, and coarse language to hold readers' interest. Sylvia Dickey Smith has no need for such. She keeps us captivated from beginning to end with her unique humor, knowledge of South East Texas and its history, well-drawn characters, ample conflict, and dialogue realistically suited to her setting. She has penned an entertaining and satisfying read that is sure to keep her fans happy, while undoubtedly gaining her many new admirers. I highly recommend Dead Wreckoning and I look forward to reading more from this author.
by William Potter for Reader's Choice Reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed for Midwest Book Review, July 7, 2009
This review is from: Dead Wreckoning (Paperback)
Sidra Smart, divorced from her controlling husband of thirty years and present owner of the Third Eye Detective Agency, temporarily keeps her office at her Aunt Annie's house, where she lives with her aunt and dog Slider. Sidra is reluctant to take on the case of Boo Murphy, a woman accused of murdering her neighbor. Sidra isn't too sure Boo's all there, as Boo claims to have seen an 18th century pirate schooner in the Texas swamp, and Boo doesn't have the means to pay an investigator. But when Sidra sees the schooner for herself, she is intrigued and begins to look into the case, only to be warned off by her mentor and assaulted by unknown assailants. With the aid of her dog Slider, Sidra pursues her investigation, which leads her into the past, to the days of pirate Jean Lafitte and Mary Anne Radcliff, Lafitte's partner and Boo's ancestor.
Smith adds plenty of action and adventure to this installment of the Third Eye mystery series, with an interesting dose of piratical history and ghosts. Sidra Smart is an engaging character, a woman fiercely committed to her independence. She is beginning to find her place in life and isn't afraid to stand up for herself, even against the bad guys. She's smart and likeable, and many women will identify with her. Sidra's dog Slider plays an important part, and Smith nicely weaves his abusive past into the story. This page turner will hold readers' attention throughout as they follow Sidra's growth as a woman and investigator.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Standing in the shadow of your curl, April 14, 2009
This review is from: Dead Wreckoning (Paperback)
I went down to Orange Texas this week to again visit with Sidra. I hadn't seen her for awhile and was curious to know what she'd been up to--and she was in one of her usual pickles, of course--that's par for her. Interesting, too, how many "characters" can live in a town of roughly 19000; really makes for unusual happenings. Reminds me to look at and see the people around me in a different light--to try to see what hides behind their façades. Suffice it to say, Sylvia Dickey Smith has once again generously and captivatingly given life to her alter-ego. A VERY good read. If you haven't yet, wrangle yourself an introduction to Sidra and join the fun.
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