Warren Ritter is back!

If you are looking for a different kind of read, I would have to recommend this one. Not just in subject matter but in the author's enjoyable style of writing. While this could be read as a stand alone, I would suggest reading the earlier novels in the series. They are "Eight of Swords" and "High Priestess."


The Star: A Tarot Card Mystery
By David Skibbins
Thomas Dunne Books
February 2007
ISBN # 0-312-36193-9
ARC


Warren Ritter returns in this third mystery of the series. It's been a tough year and with a week to go before Christmas, all he wants is some money in his pocket and a little peace. His bi-polar daughter Fran is about to destroy any chance of peace and quiet.

Warren knows quite a bit about being bi-polar as he has it as well. And while he may have passed that genetic legacy on, he knows very little about Fran since he didn't even know she existed until a few months ago. Spending the majority of your life on the run, because of being part of the radical underground back in the day, kind of ruins familial relationships. Especially, when everyone thinks you were blown up by a bomb you were making in 1970.

Warren also knows a thing or two about being a murder suspect. With her estranged husband Orrin now dead and Fran on the run, Warren is left behind to try and take care of his baby grandson. Along with dealing with that, working to clear Fran's name, his annoyed sister, his girlfriend who tolerates him and a host of other issues, he is contacted by a friend of his father's who has one huge secret to tell.

Once again, Warren describes the weirdness of Berkeley and his life while taking readers on a rollercoaster ride through murder, mayhem and tarot readings. The tarot remains a theme in the series though of somewhat lesser importance than earlier novels. So too is the humor with less of an emphasis on laugh out loud moments.

That being said author David Skibbins once again creates a twisting read that steadily entertains the reader. Warren again journeys through life dealing with the concept of unintended consequences and the rippling effects of his past. At the same time, he confronts current problems in a goofy way and despite his own medical issues, manages to keep a fairly level head. This latest entry in the series is another good installment and one hopes that the next one isn't far off.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2007