Fever in the Dark: A Jane Lawless Mystery

Fever in the Dark may be the twenty-fourth book in the series, but it can be read alone. The author provides the necessary background information on the characters for readers. I did not enjoy reading Fever in the Dark. I found the pace of Fever in the Dark to be slow which made the book seem long (even though it is average length). The two mysteries may seem complex, but they are easily solved. I could identify the stalker early in the novel. The killer is equally easy to recognize. I believe the author tried to stuff too much into this book. We have two mysteries plus the current play at the theater, Sharif Berry visiting, Bridget and Noah are in town, and we get background information on Annie (there is more). Why Annie left home and what happened to her afterward is revealed through a series of diary entries. I thought the entries were lengthy and interrupted the flow of the story. I wish the author had found a different way to present the information (maybe through flashbacks or Annie having an honest conversation with Fiona). I felt that Ellen Hart had one too many barmy characters (writers should really limit it to one wacky person per story). Cordelia is over-the-top and annoying and then we have Roxy who is bubbly, perky, and exasperating. Jane was not the prominent character in Fever in the Dark (especially in the first half of the novel). I give Fever in the Dark 2.5 out of 5 stars. I wish the author had not included foul language in Fever in the Dark. It was not necessary or needed. I did not enjoy reading Fever in the Dark. Fever in the Dark was just not the right novel for me.