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Rating: 
Summary: Nikki Barnes is back and better than ever!
Review: Close to You, third in the Nikki Barnes mystery series, is Joan Albarella's best yet. As with her first two outings, Agenda for Murder and Called to Kill, Albarella peoples her story with unique and interesting characters and puts them in situations that pivot on their fundamental humanity. Her new characters are strong enough to keep the reader engaged, and she more fully fleshes out the series' continuing characters, which reflects both the growth of the characters and the growth of the writer. This time Nikki Barnes-Episcopal priest, Vietnam vet, religion professor, and Lesbian-is drawn into a murder investigation by her old cop friend Max Mullen when one of her students is the first victim of what proves to be a ruthless, twisted serial killer stalking St. David University in Sheridan, New York. Soon Nikki becomes the primary focus as the killer moves closer to her by targeting her friends and her partner, Dr. Virginia Clayton. As the story unfolds, Albarella casts wide her social net to portray police procedure and ethics, academic life, date rape, Lesbian sex and sex among the disabled that is natural and not exploitative, and a penetrating peek at a truly evil heart. All in all, a winner in a series that gets better as it ages. Close to You would make a good movie, not a Hollywood blockbuster but a small, independent feminist mystery film that doesn't objectify women, disability, Lesbianism, and size but looks at all of humanity as sharing a vulnerability to true evil. Are you listening, Miramax?Gary Earl Ross, author, Shimmerville, Tales Macabre and Curious
Rating:
Summary: DYNOMITE!
Review: DYNOMITE! Albarella and Nikki Barnes are back! Nikki, of course, finds herself in trouble - although warned by her concerned partner, Dr. Virginia Clayton, not to get involved - Nikki simply can't help it. Barrett is once again on the scene, cooking up a storm and getting in deep trouble to help Nikki, and I suspect (if I'm reading between the lines correctly) still enthralled by the unassuming Rev Barnes. It's my favorite Nikki Barnes yet! Albarella, In Close To You" doesn't hesitate to tackle tough social issues - GHB (the use of the date rape drug), lesbian relationships and how they can be perceived by the "straight" community, the solid blue line of the Police Department (enter a new character, Detective Ana Ramos), and the truth that handicapped people are viable and sexy (as demonstrated by another new character - Taylor Fleming - who is going to drive you crazy!) This is the best Nikki yet. Joan Albarella spins a great, well-written tale - but you know in your heart - it is on some level a true tale. A very good read. Agenda For Murder and Called to Kill - also recommended, BUT - this is the BEST yet!
Rating:
Summary: DYNOMITE!
Review: DYNOMITE! Albarella and Nikki Barnes are back! Nikki, of course, finds herself in trouble - although warned by her concerned partner, Dr. Virginia Clayton, not to get involved - Nikki simply can't help it. Barrett is once again on the scene, cooking up a storm and getting in deep trouble to help Nikki, and I suspect (if I'm reading between the lines correctly) still enthralled by the unassuming Rev Barnes. It's my favorite Nikki Barnes yet! Albarella, In Close To You" doesn't hesitate to tackle tough social issues - GHB (the use of the date rape drug), lesbian relationships and how they can be perceived by the "straight" community, the solid blue line of the Police Department (enter a new character, Detective Ana Ramos), and the truth that handicapped people are viable and sexy (as demonstrated by another new character - Taylor Fleming - who is going to drive you crazy!) This is the best Nikki yet. Joan Albarella spins a great, well-written tale - but you know in your heart - it is on some level a true tale. A very good read. Agenda For Murder and Called to Kill - also recommended, BUT - this is the BEST yet!
Rating:
Summary: Murder Has No Conscience
Review: Nikki Barnes makes her third appearance in this mystery series set in the sleepy college town of Sheridan, New York. A Vietnam veteran with a personal ministry to help others, Nikki serves as a pastoral counselor at the university. The story starts with a page-one body blow when a coed is found dead, perhaps from an overdose of the date rape drug. Nikki is called in to talk with the grieving students as the administration struggles for damage control. She's relieved to find a fellow veteran and old friend, Max Mullen, on the case, along with a competent new partner, Ana Ramos. A complex and interesting character, Ana carries the costly burden of having exposed a wife abuser in her former squad. As more attacks follow and the possibility of a serial killer shocks the community, Nikki works against time with her life partner, Ginni, a physician; an undaunted admirer, Barrett, who plies her with gourmet meals at opportune moments; and Taylor Fleming, a wheelchair romancer who overturns stereotypes with each bold appearance. There's a gasp around every corner as the streets of Sheridan become an urban jungle for Nikki, struggling to let her combat instincts preserve her life. The terrifying conclusion brings the reader to the finish line hand-in-hand with Nikki, discovering the villain at the end of a well-laid trail. Joan Albarella just keeps getting better and better.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read
Review: This writer has a deep fund of wisdom as well as humour, and writes an engrossing story. As another reviewer says, she just gets better and better.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read
Review: This writer has a deep fund of wisdom as well as humour, and writes an engrossing story. As another reviewer says, she just gets better and better.
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