Murdering Americans

Ruth Dudley Edwards
Poisoned Pen Press (2007)
ISBN 1590584139
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (2/07)

“Murdering Americans” is another book in a series of adventures for Baroness Jack Troutbeck. In this one, the Baroness takes a break from being Mistress of St. Martha’s College, with her feisty parrot Horace, to be a Distinguished Visiting Professor (DVP) at a college in Indiana. When she gets to the college she discovers that some of her not-so-favorite people are also DVP’s there. She also realizes that she cannot stand mid-western American cuisine and that the liberal American world of academia is not for her. She speaks out about this. Actually, the Baroness’ thoughts on how overboard our society has become with political correctness are quite valid and enjoyable to read.

There is a faction of students on campus, who are fed up with the administrators and the way that the college is being handled. The Baroness learns about what is happening and becomes very outspoken with her thoughts. She also discovers that it appears that a former administrator was actually murdered prior to her arrival. When other administrators are killed, the tension heats up on campus. The Baroness has to convince her sidekick, Robert Amiss, to leave his European honeymoon and come to her aide.

“Murdering Americans” is a fun book to read. The characters are well-developed and most of them would truly be referred to as “Characters.” In spite of the humor, the plot is also suspenseful. This is the first book that I have read in this series. You can read it, without having had to read the other ones first. However, I enjoyed it so much, I plan on going back to read the other ones in the series.

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