Crime

Well written, but a formula mystery, where the plot relies upon the main character making really dumb decisions (hint: if you're hiding evidence about 2 murders in your desk and your office is ransacked, Give The Evidence To The Police! Do NOT take it home!!) ( )

Like a Jane Langton mystery, this book is an intellectual's mystery, packed with facts regarding Currier & Ives prints, nineteenth century depictions of African-Americans, and miscellaneous background on a variety of artists and lithographs. However, with the exception of one classroom scenario, author Lea Watt manages to blend seamlessly historical information and mystery. A classic whodunit, complete with multiple motives and false trails. Maggie Summer is a conflicted and interesting protagonist-sleuth, who I look forward getting to know better in the rest of the series. ( )

Maggie Summer has been assigned as advisor to a dormitory for single parents and their children. First one young mum is poisoned, then another. Maggie's office is trashed, apparently by the killer. The President of the college announces that the single parents are attracting trouble and he wants Maggie to turf them all out by the end of the week (that's totally unbelievable: how could anyone who had not only graduated from fourth grade, but attained a responsible position, fail to understand that the legal and publicity repercussions from that move would be disastrous?) and the other people Maggie has to deal with at the college are equally bizarre and unpleasant. One doesn't understand why she doesn't quit that job. ( )