Murder...Suicide..Whatever..
Gwen Freeman
Reviewed by Barb Radmore
Murder...Suicide...Whatever is not the book for anyone who wants to
take their mystery seriously. Gwen Freeman has written a fun, tongue in
cheek romp that stretches the boundaries of political correctness
with Gumby-like elasticity. The same audiences that made
Borat a chart topping hit at the movies will love this book too.
When Ted Heffernan dies, in his office with his door sealed by a giant
birthday
banner, it is assumed by everyone to be suicide. Everyone except
one broker in the office, Eddie Walker and Ted's "nephew" Bosco
Dorff. They are convinced it was murder but are hard pressed to
prove it.
Fifi is not happy when Bosco shows up on her doorstep. She is
having enough trouble supporting herself without having to worry about
her not so beloved half relative. Bosco is long on charm and good
looks, but short on funds and morality. But he soon forces his
half sister Fifi into helping with the investigation into the
Ted's death, even though she knows it is not a good idea on any level.
There are plenty of suspects, all with good motives and it is up to
Fifi to untangle the truth. What ensues is a murder investigation
that includes grief counselor impersonations, talking halloween
mats
and porn movies.
Freeman is able to deftly write an authentic
locked door puzzle while directing the theater of the absurd. It
is a juggling act that she manages with fascinating flair. She is able
to take her imaginatively created characters through a plot that leaps
and turns without losing her focus. To manage that while also causing
her readers to laugh out loud is a literary gift.