ISBN: 1413777082

The following review of the ARC copy of the book was contributed by: NORM GOLDMAN:  Editor of Bookpleasures. CLICK TO VIEW  Norm Goldman's Reviews

To read the interview with the author, Patricia Harrington, CLICK HERE

Patricia Harrington’s second novel, Death Comes Too Soon: A Bridget O’Hern Mystery, makes superb use of an exciting and unusual plot twist and ending.

The story unfolds when Bridget O’Hern, a non-profit management consultant, is invited to spend a few days with her friend Beverly Tilton, who owns a B&B in Seaview Oregon. Apparently, Beverly, who is one of the officers of the Oregon Coast Art League, suspects that its director, George Harris may have pilfered some of the Art League’s funds. It seems the organization has recently been losing money, and as she is confident of Bridget’s snooping capabilities, engages her friend to determine if George was in fact confusing the Art League’s assets with his own.

Within the first day of her arrival, Bridget is invited to dine out with Beverly and her husband Tom. Unfortunately, the evening turns sour, as Beverly had a little too much to drink and winds up intoxicated. Nevertheless, Bridget was able to find out from her friend a little about George Harris, as well as some of the other members of the League.

The following evening, while attending a fund raiser of the Art League on the beach, a terrible tragedy occurs, when Beverly arriving late, trips and falls down a flight of stairs on her way down from the parking lot resulting in her untimely death. Police Chief Sam Alpern shows up on the scene and immediately there is suspicion of foul play. Evidence points to some kind of slippery substance that had been spread over the area where Beverly had tripped. Who did it, why and how become the foremost preoccupations of Bridget and the police.

After a few days of cagey prying, Bridget ascertains that there are several individuals who may be the culprits. What quickly becomes apparent is that each one from a broad cast of characters had some kind of a gripe and a reason to see Beverly dead.  However, as she reveals her findings to Chief Alpern, she is strongly warned to keep out of police business and he tells her “you are picking up bits and pieces of a puzzle. Pieces someone may feel too dangerous for you to know.”Alpern also reveals that there are other ongoing investigations and he does not want her in the middle of these investigations.

Although Death Comes Too Soon: A Bridget O’Hern Mystery may not be the most cracking thriller, it is nevertheless well paced, as the author effectively builds up the excitement of the search for the perpetrator of the murder. Harrington shows a keen ear for dialogue, and her careful attention to the nuances of individual voices greatly enhances the narrative. Readers of Harrington's novels, while sinking into their most comfortable chairs, will be eagerly awaiting another mystery from this promising author, where once again her heroine Bridget O'Hern will be on the prowl to discover whodunit. And just like a favorite dining establishment, new patrons are always welcome. If you have not checked out O'hern's, this is probably a great time to give it a shot.