Deadly Sins Deadly Secrets: A Sidra Smart Mystery
By Sylvia Dickey Smith
L&L Dreamspell, $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-60318-018-4
Click here for an interview with the author.

Having decided to leave her husband, take over her late brother's private investigation business and move into a new home, Sidra Smart discovers that it's the latter that may be the most disrupting to her new life. That's definitely a surprise for Sidra, considering that an act of charity just had her attempting to return a lost dog to his owner, only to discover the old woman's dead body. However, that tragedy has the positive affect of Sidra adopting the dog and keeping her interfering but dog-disliking aunt from pestering Sidra to move in with her. Sidra's career continues to look up when she is hired to investigate a double homicide that was closed when the alleged killer committed suicide by throwing himself under a train. The father of the suspect believes that his son was innocent and is willing to pay Sidra to prove it.

Although still a little unsure of her skills, Sidra throws herself into the investigation. As the former wife of a minister, though, residual bitterness towards the church and religion may be influencing her when she decides that one of the victims was overly involved in a fringe church led by a charismatic reverend. It's a viewpoint that is further enforced when Reverend Blue's wife comes to Sidra looking for a sympathetic ear to share her secret of infidelity. Sidra is less than receptive to the distraught woman who flees only to find herself in more trouble than she ever could have imagined.

The sequel to Dance on His Grave, Smith reveals her skills in the progression of Sidra's independent spirit and sense of self. What is most remarkably different from the first in this series is the strong element of paranormal elements as ghosts make themselves known in Sidra's new home. What both novels do share is a dramatic and shockingly violent conclusion. The sudden inclusion of the reverend's secretary and her conversion to Sidra's side is jarring, but Smith creates a satisfying resolution to Sidra's dilemma over a man that began in the previous novel.

This is an enjoyable and well-written series by a new author who shows promise with her unique and increasingly strong leading lady.

Review by CINDY CHOW

©2008 Lorie Ham. All rights reserved.