Different Paths (Stella Crown Series)

Judy Clemens
Poisoned Pen Press (2008)
ISBN 9781590583005
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (5/08)


Stella Crown is not the typical woman.  She owns and runs a dairy farm in Pennsylvania, says exactly what she thinks, and even owns a Harley.  Presently, she is experiencing some difficult times.  Her boyfriend Nick, who lives in Virginia, has recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  Nick's sister hates her and their long-distance relationship is getting harder to maintain.  On top of all of this, Stella’s friend Carla was just carjacked and Stella finds Carla’s new boyfriend to be quite suspicious.  As more women in the area become victims of violent crimes, Stella is determined to find out if the incidents are connected and, if so, how.  Nick decides to stay with Stella on the farm until the crimes are solved, forcing Stella to reexamine where their relationship is headed.

“Different Paths,” a book in which suspense, mystery, and romance abound, will appeal mostly to adult females.  There are many strong female characters whose insecurities are brought to the surface because of the terrible crimes happening around them.  Stella’s fears of facing the future with Nick’s illness were moving, as were her internal debates of whether she should sell the farm to move closer to Nick.  After having her foot broken by a pregnant cow, Stella loses her independence and reluctantly admits that she needs help.

It was a little strange that a dairy farmer (with no prior law enforcement experience) was so involved in investigating the case.  It seemed the police department merely responded to whatever theories Stella provided.  However, the plot was well-conceived and the outcome was unexpected.  No one was above suspicion, which increased the amount of suspense for the reader.  At times, the story moved a bit slowly as Stella constantly brainstormed the same evidence with different people. But the ending wrapped up all of the loose ends nicely and left me with a feeling of hope for the future.

“Different Paths” is a good story that will keep the reader guessing as to who is behind the trouble and what his or her motives are.  It may even cause the readers to reflect on their own lives and motivate them to live for each moment because the future is uncertain.

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