She Loves Me Not
By Wendy Corsi Staub
Pinnacle, 2003, $6.99
Rose Larrabee is a widow with young children just trying to make ends meet with her job at the bookstore.
When she receives a strange valentine in her mailbox, not to mention a box of candy left in her car, Rose is perturbed.
As the attention escalates, Rose becomes truly frightened, as well she should be, because someone is out to murder her.
There are plenty of possible candidates so readers are kept guessing.
The Jasmine Trade
By Denise Hamilton
Pinnacle, 2003, $6.99
This mystery-thriller offered a fascinating look at the world of rich young Asian immigrants in California, many of whose parents set up housekeeping in the States and then leave their children here to be educated with little or no supervision.
Eve Diamond is the reporter on the story about the death of an 18-year-old Asian girl. Eve’s search for information leads her down another path, one that is far more dangerous.
A superb book that was nominated for both the Edgar and Anthony awards for best first novel.
Fatal Error
By Mark Morris and Paul Janczewski
Pinnacle, 2003, $6.50
I recall having seen this true crime story on Dateline a few months ago.
Sharee Miller of Flint, Mich., twice-divorced and currently married to Bruce Miller, loved the chat rooms on the computer. It was there that she met Jerry Cassady and arranged to hook up with him in Reno.
Cassady believes the stories given to him by Miller and the two become involved. He’d like to marry her and she claims she loves him, but actions speak louder than words.
After Jerry’s suicide, information discovered by his family is brought to the attention of the authorities and Sharee finds herself in hot water for the murder of her husband.
This writing duo offers a pretty good look at a this scheming woman who did everybody wrong.
Slow Death
By Jim Fielder
Pinnacle, 2003, $6.50
I will warn you right now — if you have a weak stomach don’t bother to start reading this true crime book.
It’s graphic and contains material that will give most of us, particularly women, the willies.
David Parker Ray, 59 and his 39-year-old girlfriend, Cynthia Hendy were at the center of a horrific series of torture-slayings that went on for who knows how long before one of their “captives” escaped and told authorities.
Not only did they torture these women, but they videotaped it as well.
The book is well-written and appears to be well-documented, but unless you’re a diehard true crime buff, don’t risk it.
