Slim to None-Timothy Sheard

Slim to None
Timothy Sheard
Hard ball Press, Apr 1 2010, $15.00
ISBN: 9780981451831

In Philadelphia, union steward widower Lenny Moss works as a custodian at James Madison University Hospital. His is co-worker and friend Carlton knows Lenny has solved murder cases (see A Race Against Death). So when Carlton, hunting deer with a bow and arrow, notices a man dumping the body of a girl in Fairmont Park at one in the morning, he desperately calls and wakes up Lenny as he knows the trouble he could be in if he calls the cops especially with the meat he carves up in his garage from the animals he kills. Lenny tells him to dial 911 from a pay phone.

The next day the cops question Carlton as they traced him by his buying food at an establishment next to the payphone. Lenny investigates the dead girl who turns out to be hospital nurse Briana Lenny needs to prove his friend’s innocence as Carleton is the prime suspect. However, as he finds clues the evidence he fears points to a lifelong friend. In A Race Against Death, the sly killer observes Lenny’s sleuthing as he plans to eliminate Moss and Carlton since when it comes to homicide friendship means nothing.

The latest Lenny Moss medical amateur sleuth tale (see Some Cuts Never heal) is a super whodunit as the inquiry is enhanced by what happens in a hospital including administrative decisions that make no sense to the staff (ask Moose to explain). The story line is fast-paced and filled with dark hospital humor as Lenny and crew go about their job while he also works the investigation. With a strong mystery, readers will enjoy stopping at James Madison University Hospital as this series is one of the best.

Harriet Klausner