Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: iUniverse
Release Date: 2002
ISBN: 0-595-1965-7
Awards:  
Format Reviewed: Paperback
Buy it at Amazon
Read an Excerpt
Genre:   Mystery
Reviewed: 2004
Reviewer: Mary Lynn
Reviewer Notes:  Reviewer Mary Lynn is the author of "Dear Cari."
Copyright MyShelf.com

Accrual Way To Die
By C.M. Miller

   Financial planner/"detective," Audrey Wilson is back. In the second installment of the series, Audrey finds herself in the middle of another mystery when her childhood friend, Norma Jean, who suspected her governmental co-workers of stealing, is killed. Her death is a double blow to Audrey who had dismissed Norma Jean's suspicions. Now, even though no one wants her "help," Audrey is determined to find out who killed her friend. But her decision to investigate is a costly one. Not only does Audrey find herself implicated in the breaking corruption scandal, but she's nearly hit, and her financial future is threatened.

   As with the first Audrey Wilson mystery, Taxes, Death, & Trouble, C.M. Miller does a great job of creating fully defined characters who have rich backgrounds and believable motivations. Because the characters feel so real I was quickly drawn into their lives and the unfolding story. One of my favorite elements of a series is seeing secondary characters again, so it was nice to learn a little more about Detective Hollingsworth from the first book.

    C.M. Miller handles the fairly complex plot with an easy, graceful style that kept Accrual Way To Die moving swiftly. I enjoyed the feeling of racing towards the unveiling of the murderer, which required careful reading. Accrual Way To Die is a pleasing mixture of mystery combined with a rather delicious romantic subplot that I feel certain will leave readers of both genres well satisfied and eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.