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This short novel explores the relationship between Bill Mathews and his neighbors Roger Hanson and his daughter Maggie. Bill, who is off work due to injury, opens his door one morning to find Roger and Maggie, who have run across the street to get help as Roger indicates that he believes his wife, Audrey, has been murdered. Bill decides to help the family especially, as Maggie becomes attached to him and Bill wants to help this young girl. But is his relationship with Maggie suspect? As the police become involved, Bill decides to investigate this murder on his own, with the help of precocious Maggie. This leads to Bill becoming a suspect. But there are other players, including the suspicion regarding Roger; the involvement of Audrey's mother, Mrs. Knowland; and Audrey's sister, Barbara. Detective Quin O'Hara is on the case, and she may have other interests than just finding out who murdered Audrey.
This 137-page book can easily be read in short time frame. It is mostly a long narrative, with some dialogue, without chapters. It would be appropriate for adolescents and for adults who want a quick, simple story, although the ending is interesting and may be a surprise to many. For who are those who truly love us and what characteristics make a family? And who are the people who enter our lives? This book helps us to examine relationships between family, friends, and others who somehow play a part in the drama of everyday existence. A light who-done-it, the book is a fast read, that could use further depth of characters and perhaps less formal dialogue. There are also a few style errors. If one wants a light summer read, this book might just while away a few hours in the sun.