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Mariner’s Compass |
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 Mariner’s Compass byEarlene Fowler Berkley Prime Crime 322 pages, 1999 ISBN 0425174085 Reviewed by PJ Nunn Read our review of Seven Sisters (2000) by the same author Benni Harper is a folk-art expert, but she’s also a magnet for criminal investigations. She doesn’t go looking for them; they just seem to find her. For instance, things are cruising along quietly when Benni gets the word that she’s inherited something. A pleasant surprise until she realizes she doesn’t even know the man who died. Worse, he’s bequeathed all of his worldly possessions to her, including his house and his bank accounts - even his dog. All Benni has to do is spend two weeks alone in the house, then it’s all hers. Gabe, her hunky cop husband, is not thrilled with the idea, but Benni’s pretty headstrong and she can’t resist the challenge. Benni’s first walk through the house shows her immediately that she might not have known Jacob Chandler, but he certainly knew her. Was he stalking her? Why does he have mementos of her childhood? She’s soon drawn into a bizarre scavenger hunt that reveals memories that were never made and answers to questions she might not want to ask. Fowler is no novice, but she’s really outdone herself here. MARINER’S COMPASS is the 7th Benni Harper mystery, and possibly the best yet. It’s a work of introspection and discovery, showing the vulnerabilities of a heroine many have grown to love. It also demonstrates the strengths of good relationships. The author's writing is skillful, making readers feel they are right beside Benni as she uncovers clues that lead her through a mystery maze and into the past. It’s an emotional ride that will leave readers at the final destination with a flurry and a warm sense of completion. A truly unique and enjoyable mystery. |
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