Death of a Dancer

S.H. Baker
Zumaya Publications (2004)
ISBN 1554101263
Reviewed by Cristy Lawler for Reader Views (6/06)

I love historical novels, and I am adding this one to my list!!! It doesn’t take long to get into the thick of things. All Dassas wanted to do was show his nephew a good time in New Orleans but that was cut short when the murder of a dear close friend came to light. I liked the way he was still able to keep his promise to Frank, but he was also able to keep his promise to Cherry. What impressed me was how well S.H. Baker was able to tell it from a man’s point of view. You would have never guessed she wasn’t one. The details of old New Orleans are so vivid I can picture them as I go along.  This is a key factor for me. If it plays like a movie in my head I’m hooked!!!

I do wish I knew what drove Dassas home though. It was pointed out more than once about how he loved the city, but he had to get out. I know it has to do with a shooting but a flashback in a dream would have been great. Then again I’m one for details. I loved the passion Dassas showed for his family, and his friends. It didn’t matter if they were just an officer or a dancer. His friends were his and nobody messed with them. Another thing I liked about this book is I can let my 11 year old read it and not have to worry about explicit sex scenes. It’s still a good story with passion, twisted plots, mystery, and love of course. Well done on that!!!!

My favorite part was when Dassas figured out in Mr. Powers’ office that Anthony was not only in love with Cherry but that her daughter was also his sister. I quote “I stared back at the dark-haired man-turned-boy and saw a face I’d seen in a photo the night before.  It was the same dark hair and eyes, the same thin nose, the same pointed chin. They might as well have been siblings.  In fact, they were.” Now that was a twist!!!! Didn’t see that one coming!!! EXCELLENT!!! Can’t wait to read the next, put me on the top of the list to get first read!!!

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