Evan Marshall: Missing Marlene

Kensington Books (Hardcover); ISBN 1-57566-430-8

In addition to offering an interesting puzzle, this well-written, engaging debut mystery novel gives an eye-opening look at the inside working of a literary agency. Its verisimilitude is enhanced by the fact that the author, Evan Marshall, is a well known and respected member of that occasionally maligned (only by disgruntled writers, of course) profession.

The protagonist, Jane Stuart, owns a one-person literary agency in a small town not far from New York City. Widowed, the sole support of a son, Nick, Jane’s burdens are made a bit heavier when Nick’s nanny, Marlene, vanishes, almost without a trace. Marlene, 19, just out of high school and the daughter of Jane’s old college friend, was not a favorite in the Stuart household — even Winky, Nick’s little tortoise cat, disliked her.

No one really misses Marlene, but Jane feels a certain amount of responsibility — and a good deal of guilt — for not being more caring. Jane starts a small investigation. What Jane discovers about Marlene’s secret life amazes and disgusts her, and places the agent in life-threatening danger. Jane is determined to find the answers — but she doesn’t expect Winky to fit the puzzle pieces together.

As a dedicated fan of Midnight Louie, Ko Ko, Yum Yum, and a multitude of other great feline sleuths, I was a little disappointed that Winky didn’t play a larger role in Missing Marlene. Still, getting to know the very likable secondary characters of Nick; Daniel, Jane’s assistant; Florence, the new nanny; and the outspoken ladies in Jane’s knitting club made me realize, with pleasure, that I would be looking forward to reading Marshall’s next Jane Stuart and Winky mystery.

Patricia White

Patricia White is the Sapphire Award-winning author of A Wizard Scorned. Her current book, the western The Legend of Lejube Rogue, is available from New Concepts Publishing.