The Dead Husband: A Sally Sees Cozy Mystery

R. J. Brown
Big River Press (2009)
ISBN 9780979874475
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD,  for Reader Views (7/09)


R. J. Brown has done it again. With her vivid descriptions of her characters, scenery and attention to detail, she captures the reader’s attention throughout “The Dead Husband.”

Sally Collier is a very creative, endearing woman. Nothing escapes her. She is the owner of Sal’s Gals, a very lucrative cleaning service. She and her coworkers are very detailed in their work and become friends of each of the families they work for.  In her job as a char (cleaning person) Sally has seen and experienced many things, but not death in her job.  Since her relationship to the deceased is a point of interest she is also considered a suspect in this mysterious death.

It doesn’t hurt to have her friend Chief of Detectives encourage her to relate what she thought was different from the last time she cleaned for the family. Eager to join in the investigation, Sally is able to give impeccable information and lead the direction of the investigation.

Much of the story gives a detailed background of Sally and her emigration from the United Kingdom to Chicago. After her marriage and two children, Sally finds herself in Discovery Bay where she sets up her cleaning business.

“The Dead Husband” by R. J. Brown is a fast-paced book that you don’t want to put down. You are caught up in the world of Sally Collier, so be prepared for the best ride ever.

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