Friday, July 1, 2011

'Deed To Death' a novel by D.B. Henson--Book Review

With the launch of my own first novel, 'Island Dawn' on the electronic horizon for August 1st, it seemed appropriate to review a debut novel that became a national bestseller electronically before a publisher came calling and offered a contract to the author.

D.B. Henson first released her novel 'Deed to Death' in April 2010, and by word-of-mouth alone sold 100,000 e-copies, becoming one of the few self-published authors to make Amazon's "Best of 2010 Customer's Favorites" list.  The release date for this edition is July 5.

Her principal character, Toni Matthews is a top-end real estate agent in Nashville about to be married to the man of her dreams, a successful architect partnered in a thriving practice.

Inexplicably, her fiance' throws himself to his death from the top floor of a hotel he is building.  Toni, grief-stricken, finds herself graveside burying her beloved Scott on what would have been their wedding day.

Toni is convinced that all is not what is seems, and despite what the police rule as a clear case of suicide after a perfunctory investigation, she believes it wasn't suicide or an accident--it was murder.  And she has a suspect in mind; Scott's brother, Brian.

Her friends think she is in denial, but Toni presses on, launching her own investigation which peels back layers like an onion, revealing Scott may not have been everything she thought he was and puts her own life at risk as she begins opening doors wherein skeletons are becoming restless.

This is a great way to introduce yourself to a new genre of fiction with which you might be unfamiliar.  If you have concentrated on romance, fantasy or even non-fiction and want to try your hand at figuring out who-dunnits this is a good place to start.  It has all the thrills, plot twists and unexpected u-turns necessary to keep a novice mystery reader fully engaged.

Written with a decidedly feminine voice, this first-time author should find great success with first time readers in the genre.

If you would like a free copy of this book send an email to robert@rlpace.com.  Put 'Deed to Death Giveaway' in the subject line.  I will select two names at random and contact them for shipping information.

This caveat for veteran readers of murder mysteries is in order:  Choose a book from a more experienced writer.  Some of my recent reviews would suggest authors you might consider if unfamiliar with their work.  You'll think you have this one mostly figured out at the halfway mark, and you'll be mostly correct.

Trade paperback, order from most sources.  Use a local independent bookseller, help keep them alive and well.

Deed to Death
Touchstone (Simon & Schuster)
ISBN 978-1-4516-4960-4

Disclaimer--This book was provided to me in advance of publication at no charge by Simon & Schuster for review purposes.