The Review
When Dan a widower of five years, his son Jason, and Dan’s girl friend and fellow teacher Willie to to a local Trivia Pursuit contest they are not sure just what is to take place. Dan is beset almost immediately by a loud blowsy woman who is dressed as a look alike contestant from the Seinfeld TV show. Jllians, local eatery, is the ‘happening’ place in town. Jason is disappointed to come in a close second to the obnoxious Bart Scarsdale who wins the $1000. Lunch time bickering, the upcoming prom and Dan is unaware that Jason has a secret he is not yet ready to reveal. Before long mystery envelops the town, first Bart is found strangled. His death is closely followed by that of Gordon Petersen, and then substitute teacher Bailey Stone. It appears a serial killer may be lose. Jason is making plans for the priesthood, Bailey appears on a porn video and graduation comes along with Jason’s announcement at her funeral that Bailey’s death was no accident. Death threats, a murder attempt and Dan’s house is broken into before the mystery is solved. Writer Lively paints a keenly focused portrait of the uneasiness facing teens as they begin their road from Senior year of High School to independence. Characters are well fleshed, the amicable are agreeably so, and the unlikeable are real cads. Dialog is zesty, moving the tale along from setting to setting to a satisfactory ending. Transitions are smooth, the reader is kept up to date, interested and turning the page. Dan as the overworked Dad trying to juggle his personal loneliness, a new relationship, his son and an over zealous ex girl friend is a character most of us as parents can commiserate with. Jason as the disquiet filled youngster giving his best to study, setting his own life path to follow and solve a mystery without getting himself killed in the attempt is a kid to enjoy, especially for those of us who have raised a kid of our own. Chicanery, complicity and intrigue abound in this tale of an authority figure taking advantage of those around him/her. From the opening lines Murder Most Trivial carries the reader on a fast paced ride from teenaged angst to parental concern, a little romance and a whole lot of cozenage in this easily read, fast paced work. As a Christian based tale readers who are easily offended by graphic language or sexual connotation will be happy to know this tale has neither. Excitement abounds, conflict is profuse and is aptly resolved. The conclusion is the only one plausible.

Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend. Reviewed by: molly martin http://www.angelfire.com/ok4/mollymartin http://www.AuthorsDen.com/mjhollingshead