BOOK REVIEW - Mystery Time (Novel - OT)

[Mike]

Mystery Time by Janet Hannah © 2012 Outskirts Press ISBN:
9781-4327-8844-5 Paperback 248 Pages $16.95 (U.S.)

At this time, I continue with my off-topic reviews, but at least this
one has a consistent (if marginal) connection to the paranormal, and
is appropriate for most ages.

What is it about the watch Hildegard came into possession of? Her
late husband had been given it by his family and he had passed it on
to her before his untimely death. It has a long history, mostly
unknown to its various recipients through the years, and apparently
has picked up the ability to stimulate psychometry (readings drawn
from objects).

With this being the third book in the series (but the first one I have
read) I am assuming there are back-stories concerning the two main
protagonists of which I am unaware, but which would make their
interactions a bit more understandable. Hildegard and Alex are
microbiologists – she is from Heidelberg and he is from Jerusalem –
which them unlikely detectives, but does give them the potential for
seeing things that others might miss

Quite honestly, although I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it seemed a
little “lightweight” for my taste. There is a murder, with a few
complications, but there doesn't appear to be a great deal of emotion
about it from anyone involved in it. There are accusations of
academic dishonesty, but except for academics, who really gets worked
up about such things?

Several of the characters (including the watch itself) are drawn from
reality, which is interesting but really does little for the story.
The past history of the watch is almost interesting enough to make a
story on its own (almost).

It was enjoyable, but nothing to get excited about. I am hoping that
it is the first book in an “arc” of stories (a subset within an
established series) because if it isn't it leaves an awful lot of
unanswered questions. If it is the start, then the possibility exists
for some interesting plot lines exploring the background of the watch.

I wouldn't say that I HIGHLY recommend it, but it was a pleasant way
to spend a few hours.