Synopses & Reviews
“RAZOR-SHARP MYSTERY.”—Booklist (starred review)
In every small town there is one person who always sparks controversy, and in Snow Hill, Pennsylvania, that person is Ann-Victoria Hadley. Now this 91-year-old spitfire is igniting a veritable powder keg—when she sues the school board for adding “intelligent design” to its science curriculum. Suddenly the whole town is caught up in a heated debate. But things really explode when, just before the trial, someone attacks Ann-Victoria with a club…
“AN INGENIOUS FAIR PLAY PUZZLE.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Its not the first time Ann-Victoria has been attacked for her views. But its the only time someone used a blunt object to do it. Now this rebel with a cause is lying in a coma, unable to identify her assailant. The local police chief is on the school board, so hes a suspect himself and cant investigate. Thats when former FBI agent Gregor Demarkian steps into the fray—and finds himself matching wits with dueling Darwinists, devout Christians, and one dangerous criminal whos ready to evolve…to committing murder.
“Jane Haddams novels provide style, humor, and philosophy—
theyre real spellbinders.”—Drood Review
Review
“Haddam does what so many other writers fail to do: tell a story that challenges its readers…[In Living Witness,] the author offers her typically razor-sharp mystery concerning a highly contentious issue, but also does so without taking sides, treating all of her characters ... with respect and understanding. Haddam is a fine writer, exhibiting skills rarely glimpsed in the mystery genre.”—Booklist (starred review)
“Edgar-finalist Haddam's excellent novel takes a nuanced look at the debate over teaching evolution in public schools… Haddam makes characters on both sides of the issue sympathetic, explores the inner life of her detective hero—and offers an ingenious fair-play puzzle.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Synopsis
In her 91 years, Ann-Victoria Hadley has often been the most hated person in Snow Hill, Pennsylvania. But now, its worse than ever. After a new school board inserted “intelligent design” into the curriculum, they were sued by a coalition including Hadley, the one member of the board who wouldnt go along with the rest. With the trial about to start and the town a national laughing stock, Annie-Vic is found clubbed into unconsciousness and not expected to survive. The local police chief, one of the school board members, cant investigate it himself and doesnt trust the state police. So he brings in Gregor Demarkian.
Gregor Demarkian, former FBI agent, is happy to help—his wedding is coming up and hes desperate for a bit of time away from his too-involved neighbors on Cavanaugh Street in Philadelphia. Even if it is to investigate a brutal crime in a powder-keg of a small town.
Synopsis
The Gregor Demarkian series keeps getting better, each novel just a little more dramatic, more thought provoking, and more entertaining then the last ("Booklist").
Synopsis
In every small town there is one person who always sparks controversy, and in Snow Hill, Pennsylvania, that person is Ann-Victoria Hadley. Now this 91-year-old spitfire is igniting a veritable powder keg—when she sues the school board for adding “intelligent design” to its science curriculum. Suddenly the whole town is caught up in a heated debate. But things really explode when, just before the trial, someone attacks Ann-Victoria with a club…
Its not the first time Ann-Victoria has been attacked for her views. But its the only time someone used a blunt object to do it. Now this rebel with a cause is lying in a coma, unable to identify her assailant. The local police chief is on the school board, so hes a suspect himself and cant investigate. Thats when former FBI agent Gregor Demarkian steps into the fray—and finds himself matching wits with dueling Darwinists, devout Christians, and one dangerous criminal whos ready to evolve…to committing murder.
About the Author
JANE HADDAM is the author of numerous novels, many featuring Gregor Demarkian, as well as numerous articles and stories published widely. A finalist for both the Edgar and Anthony Awards, she lives in Litchfield Country, Connecticut.