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The Eggstone Murders: A Starfire Mystery by Herbert L. Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was certainly a different kind of cozy mystery than many I have read, but I am pleased to report that it kept the main idea and feel of this genre. It is probably what would be called a modern cozy mystery. It keeps to the old format in that the murders are not detailed, and there are no bedroom scenes (even though sex abounds within the book, but we never see it up close). The mystery is completely engrossing and intriguing. The twists and turns should certainly appeal to the reader’s senses. I never found myself bored, and the characters were quite complex and flawed in too many ways (but that made some of the characters more lovable).
I grew very tired of the profanity in the book. I did not mark the book down for that, but I do wish to warn my sensitive readers. While everyone to some degree gets their “just desserts,” A very unlikely and somewhat charming duo solved the case, and another revelation occurs at the end of the book that the reader probably will not see coming.
So why did I not absolutely connect with the book? Again, it is my sense of justice. While people basically got their lives straightened out and suffered the appropriate consequences, I was greatly disturbed with the select few who did not fully pay for their crimes. Had the author not put the last chapter in the book, I would have been wholly incensed. I applaud anyone who makes a decision to change, but change does not equal the absence of consequences. I believe that when one wants to make positive changes, amends should be made if possible. I would have saluted the characters involved much more highly if some viable plan of redemption was in place. But that is just my opinion. I still took great delight in the mystery, and I would recommend it to those who not as righteous as I.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated,a nd all opinions are 100 percent mine.
