Carolyn Banks Reviews

Page Two

Added November 23, 2007

Death on the Diagonal

Author: Carolyn Banks
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Available At: www.amberquill.com
Publishing Date: August 2007
Genre: Mystery: Cozy/Comedy
Format: Trade Paperback, Ebook download in PDF/HTML/LIT
Price: $7.00 ebook
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-058-9 ebook
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-984-1 paperback
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Death on the Diagonal puts a whole new slant on murder.

When Robin Vaughan and her husband, Jeet, travel to Bead, Texas to assist a friend, they soon find themselves in need of help. As Jeet assumes the role of editor in the town's newspaper, Robin's ability to ferret out the facts puts her in the path of a murderer. As she tries to stay one step ahead of the slayer, she keeps tripping over the oddball assortment of folks who make up this sleepy town.

Written with a delightful combination of horse sense, common sense and a sense of humor, these pages prance at a playful pace. The character of Robin Vaughan is approachable and friendly, as the first person perspective puts the reader inside her mind. Her wit and wonderment of life uphold the story line, creating many laugh-out-loud moments, while her innocence and exuberance gives her a sweet vulnerability that makes her a happy heroine.

Carolyn Banks' series of equestrian mysteries is both unique and interesting, as she incorporates principles of horse riding and showing into her novels. This aspect brings another dimension to the story, while further endearing the main character to readers with her faithfulness and love of her animals.

The mystery element is well done, as clues and motivating factors are scattered throughout the book. The small town setting adds a deceptively quiet atmosphere as the inhabitants each contribute their own brand of compulsions and craziness. With a fast pace and brisk dialogue, readers will race to the finish.

Return to top of page.

Added September 4, 2006

Groomed for Death

Author: Carolyn Banks
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Available At: www.amberquill.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Mystery: Comedy
Format: Trade Paperback, Ebook download in PDF/HTML/LIT
Price: $12.50 paperback, $5.25 ebook
ISBN: 1-59279-348-7
Author Email/Website: www.onr.com/user/studio/
Reviewer: Talya Imbaro
Rating: 7.5 Gargoyles

Robin is into horses. Her husband Jeet is not. They both are looking forward to a week in New York while Jeet meets some people about a cookbook that he may be contracted to write. He is eager to have a whole week without horses waking him up at the crack of dawn. Robin is there to accompany him and relax. She never expects to get caught up in a mystery involving murder, high fashion, and of all things, horses.

This is fifth in a series of books about horses by Ms. Banks. I was pleasantly surprised to realize that I did not have to read all previous books to keep from being lost as this book stands alone. The mystery is well thought out and presented in an orderly fashion. Ms. Banks' writing style is fast and quirky as we follow Robin's determined, and often, confused trip through the city as she tries to prove her husband wrongly accused of murder. It was a quick, fun read, and I learned some great things about horses on the way.

Return to top of page.

This page was last updated on January 1, 2008

This page and all its contents are Copyright© 2002-2008 In the Library Reviews and the individual reviewers. Except where noted, all graphics are Copyright© Eos Development and are used with permission. All book covers are Copyright© their respective publishers and are used with permission. The In the Library Reviews logo is Copyright© 2002 by In the Library Reviews/Sharyn McGinty. Site maintained by In the Library Reviews.