Earthly Delights: Corinna Chapman Mystery

Kerry Greenwood
Poisoned Pen Press (2007)
ISBN 9781590583937  
Reviewed by Louise Landeta for Reader Views (3/07)


“Earthly Delights” is a delightful mystery that will appeal to the female gender from teen-age to adult women of all ages.  The story is well-crafted and peppered with a cast of enchanting characters, all revealing complex tales in and of themselves.  The main point, of course, is who is murdering the local drug addicts and why.  But there is so much more to play out.  Ms. Greenwood achieves her ends admirably and entertainingly. 

The protagonist Corinna Chapman grabbed my heart immediately.  She is quite a loving person and lovely for it.  The author succeeded in bringing her to life in all of the many facets of her personality.  I could just picture her in her morning sweats baking her breads and other tasty morsels, then soaking her ample body in warm bath salts and lotions.  She is vulnerable and kind, smart and savvy. 

I was so entertained I could hardly put the book down—it is a real page turner.  The author Ms. Greenwood is an able writer.  She has a good grasp of the English language (which is sadly rare these days), and throws in many an intelligent witticism.  I really like her style.  The cast of characters was so entertaining that I hope to meet up with them again in future books. 

As an aside, the title “Earthly Delights” is a reference to the 16th century painting by Hieronymus Bosch called, “The Garden of Delights.” It has always been one of my favorites.  The book inspired me to look for a print of it which I found and have since framed and hung in my house. 

I loved “Earthly Delights” and look forward to more Corinna Chapman magic.  I expect Kerry Greenwood will join the ranks of P.D. James, Agatha Christie and other good writers of mystery who have enjoyed a certain longevity. 

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