Reviews of Death Climbs a Tree
DEATH CLIMBS A TREE by Sara Hoskinson Frommer (St. Martin's)
New development is threatening the natural environment,
and the tree huggers are out in force. Actually, a
first violinist for Joan Spencer's orchestra is living
in a tree in protest. When Joan and her son Andrew
witness Sylvia's fall, Andrew decides to take her
place. Like all mothers would be, Joan is concerned
about her son and she visits the site often. One
morning while looking for morels (her excuse for a
visit), she discovers something that makes her wonder
if the fall was accidental. Clashes between
environmentalists and builders, struggles in the
workplace, and blending families combine to make DEATH
CLIMBS A TREE an all-too-believable contemporary tale.
-- Molly Weston- Meritorious Mysteries
"I can't play the concert," violinist Sylvia Purcell informs
Joan Spencer, the Oliver Civic Symphony manager, at
the start of Frommer's sixth Joan Spencer mystery (after 2002's
Witness in Bishop Hill). "I have to sit in a tree." Sylvia's
protest against the development of a wooded area for low-income
housing turns deadly when she falls out of the tree
in front of Joan and her son, Andrew. Evidence Joan finds points
quickly to murder, with Andrew a prime suspect.
Joan's husband, police detective Fred Lundquist, doggedly pursues
the case, which is complicated by mysterious
nocturnal lights in the woods. Meanwhile, amateur sleuth Joan's
nosing around leads her to a dangerous
confrontation with the killer. Low-key suspense and likable
characters make this an enjoyable, if not compelling,
read for cozy fans.
-- Publishers Weekly, Aug. 2005
Sara Hoskinson Frommer delivers a solidly satisfying,
character driven, small
town cozy that addresses not only environmental issues but aging,
workplace
harassment and the impact of death on family and friends left
behind. A very enjoyable read.
-- Sally Powers--I Love a Mystery July/August
2005