11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
But not all bargains are worthwhile --, January 16, 2006
Sometimes it's better to walk away than to be lured in, regardless of the price. Happily, that theory does not apply to the Kate Kennedy books of Nora Charles. The author seemingly goes from strength to strength and is really hitting her stride well now in this third adventure of Kate and her former sister-in-law Marlene. The ex-nun Mary Frances is here, too, playing a larger role than in the previous books.
Kate and Marlene have also been friends for some sixty years, a case of opposites attracting. Kate is a neatnik; Marlene an acquirer. But after a time, some older things must go in order for new things to come in, which results in Marlene setting up a booth at a flea market type arcade outside a local circus. Kate will be her assistant.
But even before they get there, one of the previous sellers was murdered. That is, of course, why there was a spot available to Marlene. There's also a nasty rumor floating around, about animal abuse in the circus, and Kate thinks maybe she should consider becoming a volunteer for the local animal shelter.
But before that can happen, there's yet another incident at the circus. In the middle of a matinee, smoke bombs are detonated, and after the ensuing confusion and evacuation, two more of the market's tenants are found dead in the far reaches of the empty big-top. The animal trainer suspected of the abuse is injured while trying to get her animals all safely away from the danger. She isn't seriously hurt, but ends up in the hospital with a badly broken leg, leaving her six-year-old son with no one to care for him, until Kate volunteers.
The suspects go around and around like horses on a merry-go-round. Kate loves being a faux-grandma, until danger gets a little too close to young Billy.
As always, the writing and the characterizations are excellent, and I think this book might be the most tightly-plotted in the series, at least so far. Kate and her friends are aging gracefully, and learning to appreciate being of . . . a certain age. Brava, Kate!
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7 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cute 3rd installment, October 19, 2005
This is a cute 3rd installment to the Kate Kennedy sleuth mysteries. Her friend is always flamboyant and of course kate is nosing around and finding out what is going on HERE??!! This book is easy to read and fun. Underlying old friendship lend a realistic air to the stories and Marlene holds a secret from the past.
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