"An Astounding Mystery"
Remember, it all started because Elias had a touch of
greed. Elias Hackshaw, a small town reporter, antagonist
to local law enforcement, and a man with a penchant for
trouble, had gotten himself in deep this time around. A swindler is dead, and the Sheriff wants to believe
he's involved, because, of course, Elias bought a few of
the victims items on the side from the towman who brought
in the victims car. The towman, of course, was more than
happy to relate to Elias knowledge of how the items worked and
what the could possibly relate to. This begins an
adventure Elias is sure he would have preferred to sit out. A gypsy princess is missing, and her more than dangerous
father, is certain Elias knows where to find her. Pain is
involved, and Elias, much to his own disgust, finds himself
now searching out the beautiful, if more than dishonest
young lady determined to hide from her family. And if that wasn't enough, someone also wants to make
certain while investigating the swindlers death, and the
gypsy's disappearance, that Elias doesn't learn the secrets
they're keeping. THE JERICHO FLOWER is a surprisingly deep, amusing, and
character driven mystery that will keep you on your toes,
and keep you shaking your head at the predicment Hackshaw
has managed to get himself into. Throughout the story, narrated by Hackshaw himself, you
glimpse a man, more than aware of his unlucky habit of
finding trouble, and his own confusion as to how he does it. It's a mystery that keeps you hanging until the very
end, an unlikely hero who will keep you laughing, and a
full range of characters that opens you up to small time
life, and all its inherent problems, solutions, and support
networks. Throughout THE JERICHO FLOWER, I was amazed at Mr.
Wilcox's thorough grip of his characters. The plot was
strong, moving progressively forward, and always
interesting. If you're looking for a soft mystery, one that will both
amuse and tempt you, then this is the story for you.
Reviewed by Shadoe Simmons
Posted June 13, 2002
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