BURNED IN BALTIMORE

Burned in Baltimore
by Louise Titchener
Hard Shell Word Factory
May 2003
ISBN Trade Paperback 0-7599-3081-3
ISBN Ebook 0-7599-3080-5
$10.95

"If I hadn't been babysitting little kids I would have run down the street yelling for help." That's how the fast-paced Burned in Baltimore begins.

This book is breath-taking in that the story line is always moving. I found myself not even realizing how far I had read and I wasn't putting the book down. This struck me strange since I figured out the mystery part fairly early, so I thought. I enjoyed an author that can lead me down the track, pull me into the story and then flip me over.

The characters were obviously loved by the author in that each one could be visualized with their own voice. "The kid's face was a study in storm warnings." For anyone that has ever dealt with a teenager that is a perfect description. From obnoxiously rich politicians, socialites, lovable lawyers who happen to be gay and black, to family being fearful of genetic retardation, to street wise kids within the foster care program and the idealistic person who wants to make this world a better place; this is truly a book for any reader who doesn't expect a predictable story.

Toni is the lead character who is trying to restart her life after murdering her abusive police officer husband. She has to readjust to her place within the community, her decorating business, her neighbors, her family, and herself. Also, she is trying to reestablish her love life with, of course, another police officer and a wonderfully sweet and caring hunk that is still carrying a flame.

Sometimes I found myself wondering where the mystery was in this book. Was it the stolen faucet? Was it her past life? Was it who broke into her house? Was it who shot at her house and her neighbor's house? How was the black teenaged boy going to keep away from his gang? To find the answers to these questions and more, read Burned in Baltimore. This is a fun mystery for a lazy hot summer's day.

(I did wonder though why The Woo-Woo Express wanted me to review this book. I didn't find anything supernatural or unexplained in this book.)