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Shirley McClintock #4
Death and the Delinquent
Shirley McClintock is vacationing in New Mexico with her friend J.Q., her daughter Allison, and Allison's schoolmate April. While exploring a mesa on muleback, a sharpshooter wings Shirley's mule, sending her into the hospital with a crushed knee, and kills April. Down but far from out, Shirley wrestles with a mystery that's as deadly as a rattlesnake . . .
231 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 23, 1992
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 18, 2023
My least favorite in the series. The first murder victim is a child, and some of the information about Native Americans (the book is set in New Mexico) seems very stereotype-y to me. Also, Shirley is injured and ends up in the hospital. When she finds out her surgeon and therapist are gay she throws a royal fit and insists they be tested immediately for AIDs. Later, finding out they are negative is used as comic relief. Not cool. (This book was published in 1992.)
Also being attacked and almost killed but deciding to move to the place where it happened? Weird and far fetched.
A re-read.
Also being attacked and almost killed but deciding to move to the place where it happened? Weird and far fetched.
A re-read.
March 6, 2025
This is the fourth book in the series that has been set in Colorado. This book is set near Santa Fe, Nee Mexico, truly the land of enchantment. Oliphant does a wonderful job of bringing the country to life, possibly better than she does with the Colorado setting.
As usual, the recurring characters are both likable and believable, but most of the guest characters are disappointingly flat. In addition, the plot seems unnecessarily complicated. Some of the subplots are not resolved and others turn out to be completely irrelevant. Better to have eliminated some and and paid more attention to the rest. I do plan to read the next book in the series.
As usual, the recurring characters are both likable and believable, but most of the guest characters are disappointingly flat. In addition, the plot seems unnecessarily complicated. Some of the subplots are not resolved and others turn out to be completely irrelevant. Better to have eliminated some and and paid more attention to the rest. I do plan to read the next book in the series.
August 9, 2017
pretty good..
June 4, 2020
A slow read for me. It had a hard time keeping my attention.
May 27, 2008
Different groups of ancient pueblo peoples in the Southwest may have occupied the same sites at various historical times. Thus, different tribal groups today may claim historical roots in the same locations.
There is controversy in some Southwestern communities, where different ethnic groups consider historical events differently. Christopher Columbus, for example, is considered a hero by some and a barbaric invader by others.
Experts say it's physically and psychologically natural and healthful for babies to sleep with their parents.
B.J. Oliphant is clearly the type of author who likes to learn and weaves facts she finds interesting into the fabric of her stories. These asides--often presented in the form of a rant by the main character, Shirley McClintock--don't bother me. I find them interesting. Some readers, looking for a more seamless, literary approach, may find them distracting.
Personally, I enjoyed Death and the Delinquent--the first I've read in the series.
There is controversy in some Southwestern communities, where different ethnic groups consider historical events differently. Christopher Columbus, for example, is considered a hero by some and a barbaric invader by others.
Experts say it's physically and psychologically natural and healthful for babies to sleep with their parents.
B.J. Oliphant is clearly the type of author who likes to learn and weaves facts she finds interesting into the fabric of her stories. These asides--often presented in the form of a rant by the main character, Shirley McClintock--don't bother me. I find them interesting. Some readers, looking for a more seamless, literary approach, may find them distracting.
Personally, I enjoyed Death and the Delinquent--the first I've read in the series.
June 9, 2016
Shirley McClintock, friend J.Q., foster daughter Allison and a friend are vacationing in New Mexico when a gun shot kills Allison's friend, April, and another shot causes Shirley to crush her knee. At the same time a newborn baby is kidnapped from the hospital. Rancher Shirley seeks to find out who killed April for Allison's sake but she's not used to being held back after getting a new knee. I really like this cozy mystery series and the way the book ends makes me want to pick up the next one right away!
March 31, 2011
interesting fast read
August 11, 2016
Even on vacation Shirley has to solve a mystery? People die too? How does this happen to people? Regardless, this was a fast mystery story which was concisely written. Another enjoyable read.
March 17, 2014
Shirley, J.Q., Allison and others visit Mexico.
A classmate of Allison's is murdered.
Kidnap baby.
Indian artifacts stolen.
Good.
A classmate of Allison's is murdered.
Kidnap baby.
Indian artifacts stolen.
Good.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews