Title:
Between a Clutch
and a Hard Place

Author:
Gayle Trent

Published By:
Grace Abraham
Publishing

ISBN #:
0-9741090-4-5

Release Date:
October 2004

Format:
Electronic

When Tansie Miller’s daughter almost found herself on death row a few months ago, Myrtle Crumb, a sixty-five year old grandmother, found out by accident that she has a nose for detective work. Had it not been for Myrtle who knows what would have happened. Not that Tansie is the least bit grateful. They have always had a love/hate relationship and a "long-runnin’ competition" and rivalry. Recent events haven't changed anything. Myrtle has found herself smack in the middle of a new investigation, and in a competition with Tansie for the best pocketbook and the attention of a man. Myrtle met this man while investigating the strange disappearance and possible murder of his wife, Flora.

It all began when Tansie, who has a boat load of money, stopped by Myrtle(‘)s house to brag about the new pocketbook that she had just bought at the local consignment shop. Not to be out done Myrtle decided to go shopping at the same store the very next day. Myrtle not only finds a beautiful black clutch bag, but black pumps. Before she manages to rub the new clutch and shoes in Tansie's nose, Myrtle discovers a note in the clutch. The note reads “If anything ever happens to me, look to Jim. He did it. Signed, Flora Adams.” Myrtle immediately decides she has to find out about Flora Adams, and if Jim has murdered her!

Between a Clutch and a Hard Space is a delightful read. It is full of humor and excitement. The characters in this well written tale are a hoot. Myrtle Crumb is not an ordinary granny. She is a hip and cool grandmother whose teenage granddaughter, Sunny, actually enjoys spending with. Myrtle bounces ideas for her investigations off her young granddaughter for a new and younger perspective. Tansie is not the typical meddlesome neighbor who always has her nose in your business. She still always has her nose in Myrtle's business, but she is also a fun character who can match Myrtle in wit and brains. Neither one wants to be out done by each other. And that includes the favor of Jim Adams. Jim is an oddity. His stories just do not add up. The more that Myrtle snoops, the more questions she has left unanswered. No one has the same opinion of the handsome veteran of the Korean War. Most will admit he is a nice enough fellow, just a little odd with strange behaviors. But does that mean he killed his wife? Myrtle must find out the answer to that question before she or Tansie get in any deeper.

Gayle Trent has penned a wonderful read that this reviewer thoroughly enjoyed and couldn't put down. Spending the afternoon with Myrtle and Tansie was a delight. This book is suitable for all ages. Not many books will hold an adult's attention and still be appropriate and entertaining to the youngest of children, but Between a Clutch and a Hard Space certainly is one of them. This is a very highly recommended book that is worthy of this 5 angel rating. This reviewer can't wait to get a hold of other books by this author.



Reviewed by: Penny