Title: Killer Market
Author: Margaret Maron
First published August 1, 1997
Audio Cassette
ISBN: 9780788729447 (ISBN10: 0788729446)
Rating: 3.94
Overview
A new arrival in High Point, North Carolina, Judge Deborah Knott finds herself in a bind when she can’t secure a place to stay due to the International Home Furnishings Market taking over the town. Her luck changes when she meets the peculiar Mrs.
Jernigan, who offers her a place to stay. But things take a sinister turn when Mrs.
Jernigan disappears, leaving a dead man in her wake. Now, Deborah is the prime suspect in a murder investigation, and she must unravel the mystery of Mrs.
Jernigan’s true identity in order to clear her name. Margaret Maron’s Killer Market is a gripping tale of murder and intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Margaret Maron, a native of central North Carolina, spent time living abroad in Italy before making her way back to the United States. Along with a collection of short stories, she’s written several mystery novels that have been translated into seven different languages.
One of her most popular books, Bootlegger’s Daughter, earned her the Edgar Anthony, Agatha, and Macavity awards and even became a Washington Post Bestseller.
Maron’s dedication to the mystery genre extends beyond her writing career. She served as the president of Sisters in Crime and the American Crime writers’ league, and also held a director position on the national board for Mystery Writers of America.
Editoral Review
Margaret Maron’s Killer Market is a thrilling murder mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Published on August 1, 1997, it is a part of the Deborah Knott series that has been widely acclaimed for its engaging characters, gripping plot, and insightful commentary on social issues.
As a seasoned author, Maron’s writing style is characterized by her attention to detail, vivid descriptions, and well-crafted dialogue.
Set in rural North Carolina, Killer Market follows Judge Deborah Knott as she investigates the murder of a local businessman during a farmers’ market. As the investigation progresses, Deborah uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that threatens the peace of the tight-knit community.
With the help of her family and friends, including her love interest, the local sheriff’s deputy, Dwight Bryant, Deborah races against time to solve the case and bring the killer to justice.
Maron masterfully weaves together multiple plotlines and subplots, creating a complex and intriguing story that keeps readers guessing until the very end. Her characters are multi-dimensional, with their own unique personalities and motivations that add depth to the narrative.
The setting of rural North Carolina is also vividly depicted, providing readers with a glimpse into the culture and traditions of the region.
One of the strengths of Killer Market is its commentary on social issues, particularly those related to gender and race. Maron tackles these issues head-on, highlighting the challenges faced by women in male-dominated professions and the struggles of minorities in predominantly white communities.
She does so with sensitivity and nuance, never resorting to stereotypes or caricatures.
However, the pacing of the novel can be a bit slow at times, especially in the middle portion where the investigation seems to drag on without much progress. Additionally, while Maron’s writing is generally well-crafted, there are moments where the dialogue feels stilted and unnatural.
Overall, Killer Market is a well-written and engaging murder mystery that will appeal to fans of the genre. Its complex characters, vivid setting, and insightful commentary make it a standout read.
While it may not be perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. As such, we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.