Sticky Fingers
By Editor Alexandra Wolfe
Title: STICKY FINGERS
Author: Morgan Hunt
Publisher: Alyson Books
ISBN: 1-59350-003-3
Rated: 4 Stars
Genre: Murder-Mystery
Tess Camillo never expected to be a sleuth. Then again, this wry lesbian never imagined someone would try to kill her…especially not with a snake. The police are convinced the incident at Tess’s home was an accident. But when another woman is found murdered a few weeks later—with a snake as the culprit—Tess and her loopy hetro housemate try to unravel the mystery.
I get the impression there is a great deal of Morgan Hunt in Tess Camillo, that includes the same dry sense of humour, wry wit and droll observations in this easy-paced murder mystery that will have you page turning into the wee small hours. Glib, funny, heart-warming and heartbreaking, Hunt pulls the strings and has us, the reader, thoroughly absorbed in Tess’s life and antics before we can say ‘snake-bite.’
What captivated me most about Hunt’s writing, is her wonderful way with words and ability to set, dress and paint the opening scene of every chapter and more, leave us at the end with a snappy line, that could include Jung, Oreos, Ocotillos and ‘What Would Ellen Do?’ bumper stickers. Amid all the humor and throw away lines (some of which had me laughing loudly) Hunt also brings up the serious topic of breast cancer, something she herself survived and again, writes about here, deftly navigating this frightening, life-threatening disease with compassion and a large dose of droll humor. Making Tess all the more accessible as someone we can identify with.
My only complaint about Sticky Fingers, and it’s a tiny one, is that the book wasn’t nearly long enough. Dang, but I wanted more, I still want more. Happily, however, I hear from the delightful Ms. Hunt herself there is more on the way. Alyson Books has picked up not one, but two more Tess Camillo titles. Which means, dear reader, more helpings of Tess, Lana and the faithful dog, Raj, to make us smile and laugh out loud, while taking us on some colorful journey to solve another of life’s mysteries.
Funny, colorful, quirky and an absolutely delight to read!
REVIEW BY ALEXANDRA WOLFE
Kissed By Venus is a web site for the discussion and promotion of lesbian literature. We publish lesbian fiction, articles, book reviews, and interviews.
