Tulsa Time [Paperback]

Letha Albright (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2000

Reporter Viv Powers confronts the challenge of her life when her love, Charley, is accused of murder and will do nothing to defend himself -- not even declare his innocence to her. A firm believer in logic and facts, Viv learns to face the trials of faith as she pursues the truth of what happened, who did the murder -- and why Charley isn't talking.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Albright paints the Oklahoma lifestyle beautifully. Her characters so fully developed, they feel like old friends by the end. -- Sara Weiss, Cozies, Capers & Crimes: A newsletter for booklovers

About the Author

Letha Albright has worked at newspapers, in a sawmill and as a wilderness guide. Since 1989, she has been the editor of School & Community, a magazine for Missouri teachers. She earned an undergraduate degree in psychology in Oklahoma and a masterÂ’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. Albright lives in Columbia, Mo., with her husband, two children and a cat. In her free time, she climbs rocks and hikes.

Albright lived in Cherokee County, Okla., the setting of her series, for eight years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Oak Tree Press; 1st edition (July 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892343126
• ISBN-13: 978-1892343123
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,761,049 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not usually a mystery reader..., January 4, 2001

By 

April Burk (Archer, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tulsa Time (Paperback)

I'm not historically a lover of mysteries as I have found them to be too plot-driven for my taste. A few exceptions are Elizabeth George's books and Janet Evanovich's "One for the Money" series, both of which have me hooked because of the complex, likeable characters and the excellent writing. I admit that I was skeptical about "Tulsa Time" when my grandmother recommended it; I figured she was biased because the author is related somehow (fifth cousin to me, I think). But I dutifully read the book and was quickly pulled into the life of Viv and her relationship with Charley and completely related to her hard-headed determination to uncover the truth of his charges in spite of his warnings for her to keep out of it. I also must admit that I smugly thought I had it all figured out about 1/3 through the book, but didn't care because I was no longer in it for the mystery but for the great read. I as wrong anyway. I loved how it ended with the mystery solved although with some acknowledged loose ends and a realistic aversion to a pat all's-well ending. I would definitely like to read more by Letha Albright -- another mystery with the same lead character would be terrific, but I'd love to follow wherever the author is inspired to go, too!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a mystery book that satisfies..., October 23, 2000

By 

Benjamin K. Potter "loyal reader/writer" (Memphis, TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tulsa Time (Paperback)

It's hard to tell if Letha Albright should be labeled an "up-and-comer" - it's just too early. Her first published novel, Tulsa Time, is a wonderful book, but it almost seems as something that can't (or shouldn't) stand alone.

That's not an insult by a long shot. It's just that Viv Powers, the book's main character, has not developed herself enough in Albright's debut effort to satisfy most readers.

Such is the frustration with such well-crafted first-time novels. Viv is so utterly interesting, the depth of her character could easily be explored over a half-dozen more books. At the end of the novel, the only things noticeably lacking are sequels.

Viv, a small-town journalist, is thrown into a world of trouble when her significant other (Charlie) is charged with murdering Gil, his band's manager. With Charlie maintaining silence even to his lover, Viv decides to investigate (the mark of a true journalist!) and begins to uncover Charlie and his band's rocky past.

A good mystery should have two things. First, it needs a likeable (or at least interesting) hero(ine). Second, it needs the hooks and barbs that keep readers interested and guessing "whodunit." Tulsa Time succeeds on both accounts.

Viv reminds me much of another mystery heroine - Kay Scarpetta from Patricia Cornwell's books (From Potter's Field, Cause of Death, etc.): strong-willed, stubborn, passionate.

The book holds interest well with short chapters and many twists. It describes with great beauty and care the setting of Talequah and Tulsa, Okla., with out drenching the reader in detail. Several other people who have read this book agree that it is nearly impossible to guess the culprit until the last 10 pages or so.

Get a copy of this book - it's worthy of two reads (at least) - and keep your fingers crossed for a sequel. (4.5 stars)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Local color, and a good read too, April 19, 2000

By 

Kevin Fansler (Seattle, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tulsa Time (Paperback)

I read this book in one sitting. It's full of great details about life in the heart of the Cherokee Nation, as well as what it's like being married to a would-be rock star and to work for a small local paper. The mystery aspect is a lot of fun. Viv Powers is one memorable narrator!