|
[ Home ]
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
Hickory, Dickory is the second Ed McAvoy mystery by Bill Stackhouse. McAvoy is a former Detroit policeman who was injured in the leg. He left Detroit and became Chief of Police in Peekamoose Heights in the Catskills, where his sister is mayor. Sam Douglas, an antique dealer and friend of McAvoy's, sells an antique tall case clock to Elizabeth Windsor. The next day she calls the sheriff's office and reports that Sam Douglas has stolen her clock. She is fatally shot while talking to the sheriff's deputy on the phone. Sam maintains his innocence, and says that he sold Mrs. Windsor the clock without ever meeting her. Meanwhile the police find out that several pieces of furniture Sam bought in Florida were sold to people who don't exist. People begin lining up on both sides. Kate Winthrop, powerful local matron who had employed Sam for years before he went into the antiques business, supports Sam, as does McAvoy and a local African-American support group (Sam is African-American). In the background a local racist group manages to promote one of theirs as Sam's lawyer. Meanwhile, how is the mob involved, as growing evidence seems to show that it is? The book is hard to get into, as the characters and scenes change rapidly. Once the narrative settles down, however, the book is a pleasure. Stackhouse has a sly sense of humor, a good feeling for characters, and a decent sense of plot. Future books by him are anticipated, while the current one is recommended.
Reviewed by Mary A. Axford, July 2002
[ Top ]
QUICK SEARCH:
Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
[ Home ]
| 
