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FLYING THROUGH FORTY
by R. P. Dahlke
Treble Heart Books, October 2004
255 pages
$12.95
ISBN: 1931742294


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

FLYING THROUGH FORTY is the delightful debut novel featuring ex-New York model-turned-crop duster and pilot Lolla Bains. Lolla (whose real name is Eula May), is feisty, has a classic '58 Cadillac that she got off her ex-husband in lieu of alimony and is close friends with the local sheriff who she has known since third grade, mainly because they share the same birthday!

When her precious car is stolen and is found in the local lake with a widow strapped into the driver's seat she realises that she has a lot more to worry about than her forthcoming 40th birthday. Who could have committed the murder and how much does her taciturn father with whom she shares a house know? Furthermore, she also has to deal with the unbrotherly feelings that keep on coming between her and the sheriff.

This is an excellent, readable novel with sly humour, a cosy edge to it and with some outstanding comic moments, which will make you laugh aloud. While this novel is not gripping or a page-turner, it does however have the ability to make one want to finish it. The characterisation of the main characters is excellent and you can certainly empathise with them all. The burgeoning relationship between Lolla and the Sheriff is also dealt with a deft touch, which is not in the least bit off putting.

What I liked even more about this novel and to my delight was the fact that the reader is not overloaded (in fact we are told very little) with information about crop dusting. Furthermore, Lolla is not portrayed as someone who is incompetent or a bimbo even though she does have the ability to find trouble.

I would certainly read the sequel if only to find out how Lolla manages to deal with the change in her relationship with her former bosom buddy (now would-be lover) the sheriff and if she manages to stay out of trouble. The only thing I did not like about this book is the title but even that should not put you off reading this hilarious witty novel.

Reviewed by Ayo Onatade, December 2004

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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