Who's Afraid of Virginia
Ham? by Phyllis C Richman
A Chas Wheatley Mystery
Harper Collins - April 2001
ISBN 0060183896 - Hardcover
Amateur Sleuth
Reviewed by Barbara
Buhrer, MyShelf.com
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a Copy
Chas Wheatley is a restaurant
reviewer for the Washington Examiner. The newly hired reporter, Ringo
Laurenge, is attempting to undermine her position by stealing the story
on which she has been working. Her best friend, Sherele Travis, theater
critic, is brutally assaulted by Ringo. He attempts to put one of Chas'
favorite restaurants out of business. Chas and Sherele try to look into
Ringo's past in an attempt to stop him. There are others at the Examiner
who have had dealings with this power hungry reporter. There is no lack
of suspects when Ringo is killed... death caused by Virginia ham which
he ate at work.
It is a clever plot:
filled with descriptions of food which make the reader's mouth water;
tips on how to run a restaurant; and the workings of a newsroom. There
is much to read here in addition to the murder and the investigation into
it. The development of the friendship between Chas and Sherele is handled
nicely. The story is well written; the dialogue witty; the characters
engaging... all in all well worth the time to read the book. A pleasant
read.
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