Fatal Fortune – A Lottie Baldwin Mystery

Residents of Cheyenne, North Dakota, steered clear of the town’s colourful resident psychic unless they had a problem. Lottie Baldwin’s clairvoyant abilities set her apart from most people that she knew. She had moved to Cheyenne for the unconditional acceptance of her closest friend, Janet Larson. After her daily Tarot card reading one morning, Lottie is prepared for Janet’s frantic visit. Her much loved husband, Harry, did not return home and his out of character disappearance has raised serous concerns.

A second Tarot reading after Janet’s departure compels Lottie to phone her boyfriend, Harlan. Sergeant Harlan Erickson is reluctant to pull strings to start the search because his boss, Sheriff McCarthy has taken a strong stance against using Lottie’s skills. Harlan does not doubt her dire predictions; in the past Lottie’s instincts have always been spot on.

The Sheriff’s Office may have chosen to ignore her abilities, but Lottie had no intention of letting her best friend down, so begins some amateur detective work herself. She has no idea of the danger that she has placed herself in. Lottie is a very realistic character who endears herself to readers with her bumbling efforts to do what the law is unable to do and her uncanny ability to get on the wrong side of everyone at least once. She always means well; her consistent efforts are appreciated by Janet, who now believes that she might never see her husband again. Even though Lottie causes havoc to Harlan’s investigations by tipping off suspects, he remains loyally on her side and manages to turn up when she needs him most. Romantic tension is not the focus of this story but this reader felt that Harlan’s reactions to Lottie’s constant interference were a little mild. A growing list of suspects will keep readers guessing just who is linked to Harry’s disappearance. As you would expect, the resolution has quite an unexpected twist that will please readers who enjoy mysteries. Fatal Fortune is the first in a series of books based on Lottie Baldwin. I am intrigued to see what new adventures are in store for this very different character.

Reviewed by: Naomi