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Dunne InLiterally

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 12, 2008

Dr. Katherine Dunne felt her family needed some bonding since the trauma of her husband's death four years ago and she planned a family boat trip. Her new husband, a high-powered attorney, couldn't come on their trip but encouraged them to go without him. "Sail" by James Patterson and Howard Roughan does describe how the family finally does essentially bond again but not before they were seriously in danger of death. Their wrecked boat leaves them stranded on a deserted island and when they see a small plane hover over them piloted by their stepfather they think they will be rescued. They didn't know his intent was to kill them to inherit his wife's fortune. Things didn't go as planned however, and a very bloody ending finally provides justice and peace for the Dunne family.

Mrs. Gentle seems to be a walking description of her name. She is a sweet, elderly lady who dresses in lavender and donates money to many local charities. Who then would murder such a charming person is the puzzle presented in M.C. Beaton's "Death of a Gentle Lady." Constable Hamish Macbeth is not so enchanted by Mrs. Gentle's profile but when other people die, Chief Inspector Blair is outraged and suspects the family. But gradually Hamish destroys the image that Mrs. Gentle has maintained and while most people are shocked to discover the truth about the town's icon justice is finally done.

Marie Woods is a book reviewer for The Sun. She may be reached at woMarie@aol.com.

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