A Reunion to Die For
by Lauren Carr
Published by Five Star Mystery, Thompson Gale Publishers (June release)
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Reviewed by Beth Cummings
(A Joshua Thornton Mystery)
In this second book in Lauren Carr's series, the little town of Chester, West Virginia is poised the 20th reunion of the Class of 1985. County Prosecutor, Joshua Thornton, was a member of that class; as was his friend and local journalist, Jan Martin; nationally known news writer, Gail Reynolds; and local businesswoman, Margo Connor. They, as well as other classmates have a tragedy in common--the death of popular cheerleader, Tricia Wheeler, of a single gunshot wound during the fall of their senior year.
When Gail comes to the Chester High reunion preparing to write a book about what she believes was Tricia's murder, things get tense. After interviewing several people about Tricia's last day, Gail is murdered. As county prosecutor and as well as old friend, Joshua begins an investigation that eventually turns on him. A new man in the sheriff's department thinks Josh is the chief suspect. So Joshua must clear his own name and reputation while searching for answers to his former friend's deaths.
Carr complicates the plot at this point by having a current Chester cheerleader murdered near the school in a manner reminiscent of the 1985 incident. Persons that Gail had interviewed for her book are also shot. It seems that must all be connected, but how? This is only one of the many puzzling questions Josh Thornton must find answers to.
Carr takes us on an enjoyable journey into the working and private life of Joshua Thornton. I liked the fact that he, his family and close friends seem to be decent, honest, and ethical.
However, I do feel that Carr muddies up the story with too many named characters (at least 45 people), some of whom do little to move the plot forward and could have been better called simply waitress or cleaning woman.
All of the murders that take place within a short time frame and in a small community are a bit of a stretch since none are gang or crime syndicate hits. Nonetheless, the book is fun and all loose ends tie-up at the end without total suspension of credibility.
Armchair Interviews says: Lots of puzzling questions need answers to solve these murders.
Author's Web site: http://www.LaurenCarr.com