Friday, October 8, 2010

Killer on a Hot Tin Roof-Livia J. Washburn

Killer on a Hot Tin Roof
Livia J. Washburn
Kensington, Dec 1 2010, $22.00
ISBN 9780758225702

Atlanta literary tour organizer and guide Delilah Dickinson takes a group of English literature professors to New Orleans to attend the annual Tennessee Williams Literary Festival. Though academics, Delilah cannot believe the wars between the attendees.

Especially igniting the group is Dr. Michael Frasier who challenges whether Williams wrote Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Frasier claims Williams’ lover Howard Burleson authored the drama. He adds fuel to the firestorm he caused with his proclamation when he introduces Burleson to the group. Soon afterward, someone murders the shocking guest. Delilah feels obligated to investigate, but finds several viable suspects including a professor whose standing is based on William’s writing the play and someone who fears the family the drama is based on will surface.

The third Literary Tour amateur sleuth (See Frankly, My Dear I’m Dead and Huckleberry Finished) is an entertaining whodunit filled once again with literary asides. The heroine is fabulous as her assumption about laid back English lit profs proves false when any time two get together a brouhaha occurs. Although readers will question Delilah’s motivation to detect and solve the case fans will enjoy this academic cozy.

Harriet Klausner

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