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	Curiosity may have killed the cat, but Cerri Ellis never let a little thing like fear stop her from playing sleuth. When she's not snapping photos of ghosts, solving riddles or sifting through dusty tomes in library catacombs, she writes articles and book reviews for magazines and web sites. Her hobbies include reading mysteries, herbal gardening, and searching online and estate auctions for arcane curios. She is currently at work on a paranormal thriller set in Southern Appalachia. Ms. Ellis enjoys hearing from her readers. You can contact her at cerridwen_ellis @ yahoo.com Or stop by her blog: www.cerriellis.blogspot.com

THE DIRT-BROWN DERBY
Ed Lynskey
Mundania Press, July 2006, $12.00, 169 pp.
ISBN 1-59426-232-2

Frank Johnson is a private eye desperate for cash, so when his high-powered lawyer friend mentions a job lead, Frank jumps on it. Sounds simple. Investigate the accidental death of Emily Taliaferro for her wealthy, socialite mother, Mary. Flighty, opinionated and grieving, the aristocratic horse-breeder believes her daughter’s death was no riding accident–but a case of murder. Throw in an assortment of equally qualified suspects, an ex-girlfriend and a double dose of rough charm, and you have gist of THE DIRT-BROWN DERBY.

Mr. Lynskey writes with single-minded purpose. The story is reminiscent of classic noir, unsentimental and uncompromising. His depiction of Frank Johnson is a stark contrast from the oddball, secondary characters who populate the novel. More than a few twists lead down dead ends, making for an intriguing mystery. An enjoyable debut novel from a talented new author.

Cerri Ellis

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