Midnight Hour (A Silver Dagger Mystery)

Rating:
Summary: A stunning debut novel
Review: How many first time authors have the gall to kill off their protagonist's main man within the first forty pages of their novel? I kept thinking, "He really isn't dead, just hiding from the bad guys with the cooperation of the cops." But I was wrong. Handsome Sam was a goner, deader than a crunch bug caught crossing KMart in the middle of a Blue Light Special. I have to hand it to Mary Saums. What a gutsy way to steer Willi Taft, her main character, into a new career.

Ms. Saums deserves a round of applause for MIDNIGHT HOUR. Not only is the plot a tricky one, but the characters are reality-based, multilayerd personalities who cry out for attention and remembrance. The book is characterized by smooth writing, almost poetic at times, filled with imagery that makes one want to reread certain paragraphs just for the pure pleasure of seeing the English language used well. As for Buddy the dog, I give him five woofs for lovableness. He can come live with me any time he wants.

This is a fine debut novel by a talented writer. I look forward eagerly to Ms. Saums next book.

Rating:
Summary: Good first mystery
Review: This is a first novel by a new author. I really enjoyed the characters and the story. I was sad with who the murder victim was but the story was GREAT.

Willi Taft is a studio singer in Nashville. She meets up with Sam, a P.I. After a murder, she gets involved with helping solve it and ends up solving a 20 year old crime that involves people in her past.

This story is well told and the characters are very enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

Rating:
Summary: Hard to believe it's her first book
Review: This is an amazingly well done first book. Mary Saums has an authentic voice. She knows people and their motivations, and she has very accurately portrayed Nashville's "small town" nature.

Saums' protagonist, Willi Taft, starts out likeable and gutsy, stumbles through lost and vulnerable, and emerges tough as tempered steel, wiser, and completely lovable. I'm going out now to buy the next installment with Saums' captivating character.