The Parcel Express Murders
by Bernadette Y. Connor

I don't like murder mysteries. I don't like romance novels. But I loved this book. To understand why, just read the opening few pages of this wonderful tale of intrigue, murder, old wounds and new loves. Author Bernadette Y. Connor does a great job of developing a strong plot and memorable characters to deliver an exciting and emotionally charged story.

Like her debut novel, Damaged!, the story focuses on a psychiatrist. Dr. Samoa Tate finds herself involved in both the investigation of a series of grisly murders and a budding romance with the primary investigator on the case. Dr. Tate, though smart, rational, and sensitive, has deep issues regarding relationships that stem from her childhood, and this complicates the already complex chemistry between the two. Unlike her first novel, Connor avoids simply telling the reader what is going on. In this book, she lets the characters do all the talking, thus giving readers a greater sense of being right in the thick of the story. Reader attachment to the characters grows steadily throughout the work, leading to several heartpounding moments.

The actual mystery begins with the murder of a prominent Philadelphia businessman and his mistress, and soon the bodies start to pile up. With enough twists and turns to make even the most die-hard mystery fan wonder who-dun-it, Connor spins a great story.

What I appreciated most about this book is that, while it will definitely appeal to both fans of mysteries and fans of romance, Connor avoids all the clique stereotypes that have been overdone in both genres and creates a truly original work. No stock formula mysteries, no cookie cut-out love interests. Connor's use of dialogue does a great job of both helping with the character development and moving the story forward. In short, this is just great fiction, regardless of what genre you try to classify it in.

Gloomwing Review by Julie Ann Dawson

Pages: 224
Softcover ISBN:0-9715-8381-1
Softcover ($11.95) available at Amazon

Hardcover ISBN: 0-9715-8380-3
Hardcover ($22.00) available at Amazon