Dark Waters: A Macy Adams Mystery by Sibylle Barrasso

Jo Ann Vicarel - Library Journal

Boston's newest private investigator, Macy Adams, is hired to delve into the life of an AIDS expert whose body was found in the Charles River and whose wife stands accused of his murder. Barrasso's approach to the PI genre might be considered a softer version of Sue Grafton, but her touch is as deft. For most collections.

Kirkus Reviews

Boston shamus Macy Adams debuts in the case of the wronged little woman. Tiny Evelyn Browne, not quite five feet tall, has been charged with the murder of her husband, Mitchell, a scientist of much greater stature. On meeting her, Macy Adams, the investigator hired by her lawyer, finds it hard to believe that "toy-sized" Mrs. Browne resorted to violence. Yet she's been indicted and awaits trial, and the evidence against her is impressive. Her husband's frequent and blatant philandering has embittered her marriage and given Evelyn a powerful motive quite apart from the fat insurance policy naming her as beneficiary. Though it's easy to see why the cops like their case so much, Macy's investigation reveals a wide range of enemies Mitchell Browne wasn't married to. His brother detested him, for excellent reasons. Even his mother considered him a probable changeling. In the scientific community, Browne had crossed paths and swords with many people who had cause to wish him ill. But smart, determined Macy's progress on behalf of her client is complicated by a sudden, studly distraction: her landlord, green-eyed Jack Hamilton, he of the "strong chin" and "blond highlights in his light brown hair."A pretty good mystery marred by some pretty awful chick lit.

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