Murder Among Us [Paperback]

Jonnie Jacobs (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Kate Austen, in her third appearance (after Murder Among Friends, 1995), seems almost too good-hearted to be an effective sleuth. But, as is quickly clear in this busy and intriguing tale, the well-mannered, compassionate high-school art teacher also possesses a steely determination. A serial killer is terrorizing Kate's tranquil San Francisco suburb. First, a young coed is found murdered in a city park, the killer leaving a distinctively grisly trademark. Then Julie, a talented and troubled student of Kate's, is killed in the same bizarre manner. Kate is in a unique position to aid the overwhelmed police, since she can tap into an array of high-school students who, although wary, still offer some insightful comments into Julie's tragic past (she is an orphan whose prominent mother died in a boating accident). Suspects abound. A secret, older lover? Her guardian, who seems to be dipping into her trust fund? Kate works smoothly with her significant other, police lieutenant Michael Stone, but it's her own dogged perseverance, fueled by a sense of guilt (she feels she failed Julie in some way), that compels her to investigate Julie's past?with ramifications that are particularly hazardous for herself. This fine mystery is buoyed by rich characterizations, a gripping plot and some scene-stealing performances by Anna, Kate's unpredictable and articulate six-year-old.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Kate Austen may live in the quiet Bay Area community of Walnut Hills, but her life there is full of stress. As a mother and part-time teacher, she runs a household with two daughters, ages 6 and 16, and a rambunctious dog. In addition, she is finalizing a divorce; entertaining her soon-to-be former mother-in-law, Faye; and missing Michael, her police detective boyfriend, who moved out when Faye arrived. Then a young woman is murdered, and Kate's best student disappears. Frustrated with the plodding official investigation, Kate takes matters into her own hands. This third Kate Austen novel combines realistic characters and dialogue, intriguing insights on cybersex and computers in school, and a well-realized suburban setting. The mystery itself is mostly nonviolent yet hard to unravel; Jacobs effectively uses Halloween to inject suspense into suburbia, leaving the reader in the dark as to whether trick-or-treaters have been abducted. Fans of Susan Dunlap's Jill Smith will enjoy getting to know Kate Austen. John Rowen --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Kensington (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575663988
• ISBN-13: 978-1575663982
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,158,710 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an entertainig novel with substance, April 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Murder Among Us (Paperback)

Kate Austen is an amateur sleuth, school teacher and mother, so I was expecting a light, maybe even frothy read. To my great delight, it wasn't. It offered more substance instead. The story moves along quickly and there are flashes of humor, but it's subtle humor. The characters seemed very real to me, and the storyline very believable. Kate's relationship with her daughters, her signifiant other and her mother-in-law were all developed and felt right. I intend to search out the author's other books.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good mix of humor, suspense, and great characters, July 31, 2000

By 

Donna Rizos - See all my reviews

This review is from: Murder Among Us (Paperback)

This was a well plotted, suspenseful mystery. Again, the characters are well written and very likable. The relationships between Kate and her girls continues to grow, and the humor is still great. I was sure at the beginning of the story that I knew who was the murderer. Then came many twists and turns that had me guessing until the very end. Kate Austen is a wonderful heroine. It is enjoyable to watch her character grow with each book. Murder Amoung Us was intricate and a wonderful read! This is one of my favorite series.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good character development, March 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Murder Among Us: A Kate Austen Mystery (Hardcover)

I really enjoyed this book. It was the first I read by Jonnie Jacobs although the last one written (so far!) by her. I went back a read her earlier 2 books in this series and enjoyed them as well. Reminds me of the Christine Bennett series by Lee Harris (amatuer slueth with policemen mates).