High Heels Are Murder
Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper, No 2
by Elaine Viets
Mystery shopper Josie Marcus is hired to mystery shop the Soft Shoe Store in St Louis, Mo. Its owner is concerned
that Mel Poulaine is too interested in handling women's feet. There have been complaints about his actions. Josie's
visit to the store reveals Mel's unnatural conduct with the shoes. Her report leads to his dismissal. A day after
his dismissal, Mel is found at the foot of the staircase of his palatial home, killed by a blow to the head.
Josie's neighbor, Mrs. Mueller, who has never had a good word to say about Josie in the past, begs her to clear
her daughter, Cheryl, who is being held for Mel's murder. Josie feels vindicated since Cheryl has been held up to
her for years by her mother, Jane, as perfect. Josie promises to undertake the investigation with the understanding
that Mrs. Mueller will guarantee that Josie's mother, Jane, will be made Maplewood Chair of the Flower Guild and
the Altar Society, a dream of Jane's. With the help of her good friend, Alyce, who welcomes this as an escape from
her life as a suburban wife and mother, Josie uncovers a cult of foot fetish men as well as Cheryl's obsessive
gambling. The revelations of these threaten the families of housewives and husbands alike.
This is a light hearted story with a unique theme. The uncovering of the members of the foot fetish brigade
is unbelievable. Did you ever hear of such a thing? Josie's devotion to her mother and her determination to gain
her mother’s heart's desire is touching. Her feeling of having the tables turned on the Perfect Cheryl is
understandable. Josie's relationship with Alyce is amusing with Alyce's relief from tedium. The author gives an
excellent treatment of the evils and effects of gambling obsession.
A quick read with enough action and humor to satisfy the reader. |
The Reviewer |
Barbara Buhrer |
Reviewed 2006 |
NOTE: |
|