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Revenge Served Cold

Jackie Fullerton
Thomas House Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780984381500
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccasReads.com (6/10)


Revenge Served Cold” by Jackie Fullerton is a mystery. Anne Marshall, a law student and amateur sleuth, against the advice of police and friends, becomes involved in proving the innocence of Kathy Spence, accused of killing her husband Elliott.  On his way home from having drinks with an old friend, law professor Elliott, is a victim of an intentional hit and run.  The car involved belongs to Kathy and witnesses place a blond woman resembling her in the driver’s seat.  Insisting she was at home in a drunken coma, she denies culpability. The police, initially accepting evidence at face value, are soon forced to investigate further as Anne uncovers significant information involving an old love triangle.  Betrayal of friendships and old jealousies resurface, redirecting the focus of the investigation.

With guidance from her father’s ghost, Anne is instrumental solving the crime.  He leads her to evidence but often places her in dangerous situations.  Is that a way to treat a beloved daughter? His appearance is bit corny, especially the constant reference to his permeating pipe smoke.  He can’t be seen by others, but oh, the tobacco aroma?  The bond between father and daughter however is touching, slightly redeeming the absurdity of the supernatural element.

Also diminishing the quality of the book is the deficiency of character development.  Characters lack depth and are too one dimensional to be realistic. The young determined amateur who outsmarts everyone else by placing herself in criminal investigations and contaminating evidence, the group of helpful friends willing to assist when needed, the loving boyfriend who is there to give her support, and the helpless, innocent victim of the crime are all stereotypical.  The police are insultingly portrayed as inept, bumbling idiots. The personalities have no gray elements, only black and white.  If personalities were fleshed out, characters would seem more genuine.

“Revenge Served Cold” is a very readable, easy to follow mystery.  It makes for a good beach read.  It is well thought out  but lacks the well-rounded storylines and characterization that would take it to the next level of enjoyment.  Early on it is obvious who the killer is.  I was anticipating some twists in the story but was disappointed.  Ann’s involvement in court cases and school could have been better developed. I also felt that the author made too many allusions to her past novel which was unnecessary in moving the plot along in this novel.  None the less, it was a fun quick read.