STALKING SUSAN by Julie Kramer

   I'm gonna be honest here. I was reluctant to read this book. Not because I disliked the authors work; I had never read any prior to this foray. I was hesitant because the last book I attempted to read (note the "attempted") was also situated in the Twin Cities where I now reside. The previous mystery written by a "writer", and I use the term loosely, also took place within a few blocks radius of my home on Summit Avenue. I only managed to read twenty pages of that book before I quit, totally disgusted by the lack of geographical research and the total lack of knowledge into police procedure. (That author shall remain anonymous, so don't ask.) However I did read STALKING SUSAN by Julie Kramer and I liked it, I really liked it. She knows her stuff. She knows the area, she has a great eye for detail in regards to the Cities and her plot is not one dimensional nor are her characters. Obviously this author has done her "homework". Riley Spartz is her multi-faceted protagonist and is well-fleshed out. Even her secondary and minor characters are given attention. She does not resort to "stock" characterization as so many writers do. I found this book to be delightful, well-written and pretty much "unputdownable" as we say in the reviewing biz. I am definitely going to be reading more of Ms. Kramers work. And believe me, that's high praise indeed.