Third in the Jeff Resnick series (or 4 depending on how you count) A good read and one that fills in some of the back story on Jeff as it introduces his father. Their meeting reveals some of his history as well as brings in his extended family and his half sister.The story is set around an abortion clinic and an anti abortion group protesting outside it. A side story of Jeff meeting a young protester is well done. That a real abortion doctor (Dr. Slepian)had actually been killed in Buffalo a number of years makes for an unique backdrop on the story.Again, reading about places in Buffalo is interesting and fun. Thirty-eight-year-old Jeff Resnick is shocked when his physician half-brother, Richard, tells him that Jeff’s father is alive, but dying from emphysema. When Jeff was six, he was told that his father was dead. A visit with his father only opens old wounds, however, as Jeff discovers that his father not only where Jeff lived, but made no attempt to contact him. Compounding their relationship, is the rather new large family he has, including a rather tacky half-sister who seems too interested in Richard. Jeff cares for Richard’s wife Brenda and doesn’t want his new sister meddling in his half-brother’s marriage, especially when Brenda has her own issues to contend with. Not only is Brenda pregnant with a long awaited child, but she’s receiving threats, possibly because of her work at a women’s health center which performs abortions. Protestors have been picketing the center, and the trouble escalates when a doctor at the clinic is murdered right in front of Brenda.Cheated by Death is a poignant mystery that explores the question of what really makes a family? The book is all about family members gained and family taken away, and the way people cope with these life-altering events. Author L.L. Bartlett shows a lot of compassion in her theme and created believable characters. My only quibble is that for educated men who should have known better, Richard and Jeff sure put themselves in danger near the end, although the final scenes were incredibly suspenseful. This book is part of the Jeff Resnick series, but it works very well as a standalone. Enjoy!
What do You think about Cheated By Death (2010)?
Love this Jeff Resnick series. Just wish there were lots more to read.
—Connie
Liking this series a lot. Going to finish all the books!!!
—doug
