Book Review: Patricia Curren’s Gripping New Mystery Novel “Wrongful Death”

Partial shot of the cover of Patricia Curren's "Wrongful Death"Photo bySuzy Jacobson Cherry

A peppery police detective, salty civilians, and red herrings make a great story

I discovered Arizona author Patricia Curren at the Mesa Local Childrens and Young Adult Authors Fair in June, where I purchased Wrongful Death. I'm so glad I did!

Wrongful Death is a murder mystery/police procedural worthy of the genre. Detective Cayenne Armstrong walks a thin line between breaking the rules and being the best detective in the Seattle Police Department. She is a savvy problem solver when it comes to work, but Cayenne is a bit at a loss when it comes to solving problems closer to home. As she struggles with her relationship with her work partner, her confusing way of interacting with others, and her love life, Cayenne is faced with one of the most maddening cases of her career. More than once she thinks she's found the answer to the mystery, and more than once she's frustrated by the walls she runs into, including an old woman who just won't leave her alone. Cayenne is a surprisingly likeable character, albeit a bit of a curmudgeon herself. While she keeps a few secrets, she is honest, smart, and dedicated. I loved this story and can't wait to read more by this author. I highly recommend this book. If you love a mystery, I think you'll love it.

Patricia Curren was born and raised in Nebraska, and set her first two novels in Nebraska because "part of her heart still lives there." However, Curren loves the beautiful Arizona desert, and is a member of the local chapter of Sisters in Crime, Desert Sleuths, and the Society of Southwestern Authors.

Wrongful Death is Curren’s first murder mystery for adults. Her Kendra Morgan mystery series is a popular choice among readers in the Young Adult genre. Curren writes for newspapers, magazines, on line publications, and anthologies. Her current project is a fictional memoir of her mother's early years.

Wrongful Death and Patricia Curren’s other books can be purchased online at Amazon. Follow the author’s Facebook page for updates.