Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

Jane Lawless is celebrating the New Year with close friends and family when she learns her father has been tapped to run for Governor of Minnesota. His campaign explodes and he appears to be on the fast track to the Governor’s mansion when a reporter surfaces with an old murder that might take down his bid for office, cost his son his life, and send the men working for him to prison.

Jane’s friend Cordelia is excited about Ray Lawless’ bid for office but is heart-broken about the loss of her niece, Hattie. Hattie lived with Cordelia for two years when Hattie’s actress mother unexpectedly returns and snatches the child and runs off to Europe.

Son Peter Lawless has lost his job and his marriage is shaky. The rift between he and his wife, Sigrid revolves around his desire for children and his wife’s decision (due to an experience many years ago) to be child-free. Peter’s desire for a child leads him to solve the mystery of Sigrid’s past and bring ‘it’ home to rest. His actions may cost him his marriage.

Minnesota author Ellen Hart is definitely one of the best mystery writers alive. Both of her series (Jane Lawless and Sophie Greeway) are stunning examples of good mystery writing. The plots are complex, the clues and red herrings are there for your ‘good hunting,’ the characters are well developed and the plots sizzle.

The Mortal Groove, Hart’s latest Jane Lawless novel is her most ambitious and complex book yet. Hart’s taken the risk to let Jane play a character role while other cast members get their chance to shine and by doing so she’s taken her writing and the novel to another level. It’s a darker novel than her others, but that fact merely adds to the richness of the world she’s created for her readers.

As much as I love Hart’s novels, I do have one personal criticism of "The Mortal Groove." Hart peppers the novel with political statements that feel personal and I found that distracting. I prefer my novels to be free of personal agendas.

Armchair Interviews says: The Mortal Groove is a must-read, and we suggest you pick up Ellen Hart’s previous novels. You’ll be one happy reader.

Author’s Web site: http://www.EllenHart.com

Armchair Interviews… Connecting Readers to Outstanding Authors. For more book reviews and audio author interviews go to www.armchairinterviews.com