Big cities are the only places where the danger lurks around every corner. Where doors and windows must never be left unlocked, let alone opened; where the nightly news is filled with tales of mayhem and murder. Nothing bad ever happens in small town America right?

Terri Valker left Deer Point and her mom behind choosing to work and live in one of those big cities. It is both a shock and a horror to receive the news that her mom has been murdered, and Terri needs to head home to make funeral arrangements. From the moment she arrives back in Deer Point it becomes obvious that her mom’s death was not a random act of violence and the police don’t seem too interested in finding her killer.

In fact the only one who seems to care is her mom’s neighbor Jake, who seems almost too anxious to be her friend. Jacob Hymes knows he is partly to blame for the death of Terri’s mother. He also knows he must now use Terri for his ‘big plan’ to succeed...if only he did not find her so darned appealing.

Murder Southern Style is a quality suspense-driven tale by a talented storyteller. I was drawn into this one from the moment I began and found it quite difficult to walk away, even for a second. The character of Terri is honest and believable, both in her sorrow over the loss of her mother and her frustration over the ‘mishandling’ of the case. As well as in her attraction to and wariness of Jacob. I especially enjoyed the second half of this book. Without giving away too much, I can tell you it is packed full with trouble and danger lurking around every corner. I look forward to more exciting tales such as this from Ms. Cloud, who has now sealed a spot on my must read list.

Reviewed By Johnna
© June 2005