Deadly Dreams and Desires

J. Henning
AuthorHouse (2005)
ISBN 1420868683
Reviewed by Louise Landeta for Reader Views (2/07)

This is a work of fiction and a mystery.  The heroine is accused of multiple murders, two detectives arrive at her house to arrest her and she talks them into staying with her long enough for her to unfold a long, complicated story.  In return for the time and attention they agree to give, she agrees to provide full detailed confessions to each murder.  The detectives are able to get permission from their superiors to accomplish this in two weeks maximum.

I believe this is a writer with great promise—she has obvious raw talent and managed to weave a riveting story.  There were some touches that struck me as being quite good and some of the scenes beautifully created character.

With all truthfulness, however, I was bothered by a number of things which can be reversed.   I found the writing style wordy and at times not fitting to the character or the general diction of the situation.  The use of well-worn clichés and erroneous grammar were also quite distracting.  Apparently the author is aware of this herself as she put on note on the book stating that there are some “editing issues.”

I admit to being put off by the story initially as I found the premise that two detectives with whom she had some previous connection would be permitted to stay at her house for two weeks to sew up her confession.  In truth, it still seems preposterous to me.  Nevertheless, I kept reading. 

Ms. Henning put together an excellent mystery, and I happen to love this genre.  I have read numerous mysteries over the years and this one ranks right up there with the best. As the story unfolded I became more and more riveted by it, wondering where all this was going.  It did not disappoint. 

My suggestions are for Ms. Henning to enroll in two types of courses: Basic English grammar and creative writing and to work on these until she becomes superbly proficient in each.  As I said, she has the essential raw material to become an excellent writer, and I highly encourage her to stay with it.

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