More than thirty years ago, a minister named Ralph Posey absconded with the church funds, abandoning his wife and daughter. At least, that's what everyone in Perdue thought ... until now.
A startling discovery makes it obvious that he never left town at all--he was murdered, and all evidence implicates his wife as the killer. Bonita Posey admittedly detested her husband, but she denies taking his life. Can Taylor uncover the truth in time to keep her octogenarian friend out of prison?
Professional Reviews
Scribes World Review
"No one in Perdue, TX bothers to lock their doors. Perdue's that kind of town--friendly and safe. Mystery writer Taylor Madison wants to settle down to a quiet life in Perdue with the town's sexy new sheriff, Cal Arnette. However, only a few months after solving the murder of Cal's predecessor, she discovers another body. This time it's the skeletal remains of Ralph Posey, the late and unlamented husband of Taylor's elderly friend Bo Posey. Everyone in Perdue had assumed Ralph left town over thirty years ago, but the forensic evidence proves he was murdered and stuffed up the chimney of Bo's guesthouse. Bo becomes the chief suspect in the murder investigation. Taylor, determined to prove Bo's innocence and despite Cal's pleas to stay out of it, begins her own investigation. Her well-meaning interference jeopardizes Cal's job and triggers an attempt on Bo's life. Friendly, safe Perdue harbors secrets. Secrets someone is willing to kill for. Secrets Taylor must uncover before the killer strikes again.
TWICE DEAD is a fast-paced, well-plotted murder mystery. Ms. Dearl plays fair with her readers. She serves up all the necessary clues, but mixes them with enough intriguing red herrings to make the exciting ending surprising as well as satisfying.
As much as I enjoyed watching Taylor unravel the mystery of Ralph Posey's death, I enjoyed the characters she met along the way even more. The inhabitants of Perdue are well developed and fascinating, particularly Bo, the crusty, eighty-five year old murder suspect, Faith, her ice-princess daughter, and Harvey Neville, an obese Paul Newman look alike obsessed with ballerinas. Taylor's relationship with Cal adds depth to the story, and Hazel, her delightful ferret, offers a welcome dash of comic relief.
Readers familiar with Ms. Dearl's first Taylor Madison mystery, DIAMONDBACK, will be delighted with her second outing. Others are in for a treat. A clever mystery, full of quirky, well-drawn characters, TWICE DEAD makes a great summer read. I highly recommend it."
Reviewed by Carrie S. Masek, for Scribes World Reviews
Murder Express Review
"TWICE DEAD is the sequel to the first highly entertaining Taylor Madison adventure, DIAMONDBACK. Dearl has another hit on her hands with TWICE DEAD! This time out Taylor (assisted by her ferret buddy Hazel and her hunky Sheriff boyfriend Cal Arnette) gets into trouble trying to keep her friend Bonita Posey from being charged with the 30 year old murder of her snake of a husband. As old friends and enemies of Bo Posey crawl out of the woodwork, Taylor has her hands full keeping Bo and herself alive. The story is as action-packed and entertaining a read as you could ever hope for. I'm hoping this is a series that will last for many years to come."
Reviewed by Elizabeth Henze, for Murder Express
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