Sticks and Stones (A Cat DeLuca Mystery)

K.J. Larsen
Poisoned Pen Press (2011)
ISBN 9781590589236
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (8/11)

 

Cat DeLuca has her own private investigation agency which specializes in exposing cheating spouses, much to her mother’s chagrin. It may not be prestigious but at least it pays the bills. When Cat’s outspoken and boisterous assistant Cleo Jones is accused of murdering her husband Walter, Cat must refocus her attention to help clear her name. Walter apparently had many enemies, so finding other suspects should not be too difficult. However, Cleo’s threats that were caught on video may prove to be too much for Cat to overcome unless she can quickly piece together what happened and produce a plausible suspect.

There are several good features in regard to this book. First, it contains a strong and independent female lead; she will do anything it takes to get the job done. Second, the interactions between the characters are both engaging and realistic. The portrayal of Cat’s large Italian family composed of numerous police officers and its doting and extremely religious matriarch leaves little to the imagination. A third positive attribute is the strength of the main plot. The material is scintillating enough to stand on its own. I am a little confused by some of the side stories the authors incorporated in the book. Possibly, they refer back to the first story in the series (entitled “Liar, Liar”) or they may be intended to be carried into a future book.

“Sticks and Stones” offers something different from many books in the fiction/mystery genre. Usually the lead character is an upright and honest individual who will pursue the truth regardless of where it may lead. In this story, however, I found myself questioning Cat’s morals and ethics, especially considering her family’s ties with law enforcement and her mother’s deep religious beliefs. It made me ponder whether or not the end can ever really justify the means. This topic could definitely produce a lively debate among readers.

“Sticks and Stones” will appeal mainly to an adult female audience. There is humor infused into the pages to help alleviate some of the seriousness of the story. The character interactions combined with a solid plot make this a novel worth reading.

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