Rating: 3 stars

Tough-talking, Homicide Detective Jane Perry takes a deep drag of her cigarette before firmly crushing it under the heel of her well-worn cowboy boot in anticipation of viewing yet another murder, which has tainted the high-end Denver suburb of Cherry Creek.

A recovering alcoholic with an abrasive disposition, Jane had a short-lived affair with yoga in an attempt to take the edge off; however, she quit when the rest of the class made it clear that they didn’t appreciate Jane’s loaded Glock riding shot-gun on her matt.

A glimpse into the victim’s bedroom finds 62-year-old Carolyn Handel hog-tied, face down, with “Karma is a bitch” written in lipstick on her back. Cause of death is evidenced by the duct tape covering her nose and mouth.

Handel’s body had been discovered earlier that morning by her long-time friend, Laura Abernathy. After a short interview with Ms. Abernathy, Det. Perry learns that the deceased had conned many desperate people out of a lot of money; and, suffice it to say, none of them are sorry to hear about her torturous death. Therefore, Jane’s problem isn't finding someone with motive, but rather narrowing down the countless possibilities.

Despite its short length, Laurel Dewey does a good job of setting the scene and developing the characters. Part of a multi-book series, the plot-line is strong enough to stand on its own without requiring knowledge of the previous books; and, is designed as an appetizer to satiate fans as they await Dewey’s fourth novel scheduled to be released next year.

Additionally, Dewey’s succinct prose doesn’t skimp on quality, giving the reader enough time to invest in the story, as well as get a good sense of Det. Jane Perry’s tough-as-nails exterior that belies a certain vulnerability.

Given the lack of pages, the set-up and resolution take place in a short time span. Although the story doesn’t exactly feel rushed, there are moments that feel too quick and convenient, which are utilized to move the story forward. Fortunately, the tactic wasn’t overtly used in a way as to detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
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Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: Story Plant, The (August 2, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-1611880076