Initials for Murder

Detective Tom Trask is recovering from a bender the night before when he gets a call about a dead body laying on the steps to the library. The only witness to the death is Miss H. Olivia Tully, a children’s librarian, and Trask interviews her to gain clues about what happened to the man. Well, that and to get to know her better. Olivia is drawn into this situation, and she’s in danger. Something the man said to her before he died keeps niggling at her brain. Was he trying to tell her something?

Dixie, a reporter friend of Trask’s, is looking for a story here, and her witty repartee with Trask is entertaining and really helps to cement the story in the 1940s with her mannerisms and slang.

Mrs. Matlan, the widow of the deceased man, is a prime suspect just because of her manner and the fact the she had opportunity. She also isn’t really the epitome of a grieving widow, not even lowering herself to identify the body of her husband.

Initials for Murder is a picture perfect snapshot of a “Dick Tracy” kind of story, complete with glamor, a puzzling mystery and a pretty lady who’s stumbled onto something dangerous. It is a tried and true formula for a great story. Venita Louise is dead on the money with her descriptive scenes, mannerisms, and even her fashion sense, giving readers a peek in to the past. Initials for Murder is a well-crafted story with a twist on the ending. Great job, Venita Louise!

Reviewed by: Michelle