A Holly, Jolly Murder (Chapters 9-12)

My misgivings about this book degenerating into another predictable series of question-and-answer sessions – the stereotypical Mystery novel – were unfounded after all.  True, there is quite a bit of amateur-sleuth-style questioning going on, but the circumstances leading up to each encounter vary greatly and the storyline sweeps along naturally, with many intriguing personality juxtapositions along the way. 

Rather than simply accumulating clues toward the solution of the mystery, the tension and momentum increase as well, revolving around the very captivating theme of Pagan religions and their darker manifestations, complete with visitations by a demon named Ambesek - accompanied by the author’s ever–appealing dry humor: “…I heard a crackling noise from somewhere behind the firs.  Not the rustling of a small animal, mind you, or the fluttering of dried leaves in the branches, or even the blazing of a satanic furnace as something slipped out for a field trip.”  Parenthetical asides are used in much the same way:  “ ‘…I’m just not sure that doctors and shrinks can battle forces from the bowels of hell.’  Stephen King, please pick up the white courtesy phone.” 

Our author, speaking through our heroine, never really tries to conceal her contempt for those who claim to believe in Druidism or other “pagan” religions.  As for myself, I have somewhat more sympathy for them, feeling that their beliefs are not significantly more far-fetched than those of other religions; just held by a smaller minority and therefore given less deference.  At one point, Hess seems to lump vegetarians in with the same mindset she is exploring in the “offbeat” religion realm – an understandable error, one supposes, since the two concepts often seem to be linked by proximity.  Hess’ comedic references to bean sprouts, for example, really are well delivered. 

One of the underlying concepts here, relating to paganism, is that when people involve themselves in belief systems that dabble in “dark forces” or “sinister realms,” these people will more than likely encounter negative experiences suggestive of those forces and realms, through the self-fulfilling prophecy psychology.  That is probably a valid premise, and it’s one that is being deftly explored throughout this story.  All of the difficulties that the group of people who call themselves “the grove” encounter seem to originate, at least in part, with such beliefs.

 

The sub-plots; especially the one involving Claire’s daughter, Caron; still seem wedged into place artificially, if seamlessly.  It’s hard to see how Caron’s situation adds to the overall picture, other than as a distraction to keep Claire from staying completely focused, perhaps causing her to commit a dangerous slip later in the story.  If Caron’s exploits somehow become inserted into the main story line at some point near the end, in a way that makes sense, I will be very impressed!  I’m giving the author the benefit of the doubt for now…



Our book for January will be "Clockwork Angels" by Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Peart!  This is a pretty recent publication, not out in paperback yet as far as I know.  But it is timely, given that it is based on the story outlined in the lyrics of Rush's latest CD, and that Rush has recently been honored by induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Join us!