Review of Sandra Gardner’s Grave Expectations…

Grave Expectations. Sandra Gardner, author. (Black Opal Books, 2019) This novel continues in the Carl Hiaasen tradition of the first book in the series, Dead Shrinks Don’t Talk, which I also reviewed. In other words, it’s a serious mystery that’s hilarious at the same time. You will recall that the Dr. Watson for Marabella Vinegar’s Holmes is her ghost-mom. (Or is it the reverse? Ghost-mom has ambitions to be Miss Marple or Jessica Fletcher. Dame Angela, who played Ms. Fletcher, is still alive, though.)

The case afoot for our Sherlock incarnation this time is finding out who murdered Marabella’s old neighbor, a crime designed to look like a heart attack. Enter all the old man’s relatives who compete for our disgust and the inheritance involving millions. (Yes, a ubiquitous plot in the mystery literature, but it’s all about how authors put their own twists on that story.) As is often the case in Dame Agatha’s oeuvre (lots of Dames in this review), that dysfunctional, greedy family provides many suspects. Marabella and ghost-mom must figure out which of them did the dirty deed.

The main plot is often hilarious. There are some hilarious side stories too—Marabella’s boyfriend, with his three St. Bernard dogs meeting Zilla the cat, as well as his meeting ghost-mom; girlfriend Toniann’s wedding (Marabella is maid of honor); and coworker Carmen’s legal battle with Li Li, the boyfriend’s assistant. All good fun, and nicely fleshing out the main characters and their foibles.

Detective Rivera also returns. NYPD cops are often gruff and cranky because they’re overworked, but I’d like to see more of him. (Maybe in the next book?) I bet there’s more to his character that readers would like to discover.

My only complaint echoes one in my review of the first book: The ending seemed rushed again. Readers will be having so much fun with the story that they won’t want it to end. Just my perception maybe, because I felt that way.

All in all, this book is a lot of fun amidst its honest portrayal of quirky NYC culture. I sailed through this book with a smile on my face, and that wasn’t there only because of the Jameson. Recommended.

***

Comments are always welcome!

The Last Humans. Penny Castro uses her USN search-and-rescue diving skills to become a forensics diver for the LA County Sheriff’s Department. Surfacing from a dive, she finds that she’s one of the few survivors of a biological attack left in the world. Her adventures from that point on illustrate her strong will to survive and protect her adopted family. Coming soon from Black Opal Books!

Around the world and to the stars! In libris libertas.

3 Responses to “Review of Sandra Gardner’s Grave Expectations…”

  1. Minette Lauren Says:

    This sounds like something I must put on my must read list.

  2. Saralyn Richard Says:

    The fun Steve had in reading and reviewing Grave Expectations is contagious. It goes on my must-read list.

  3. Zoe Tasia Says:

    I’ve read both books from the series and loved them!