by Barbara Wells, iUniverse; 188 pages
At least one serial killer is stalking young girls in Chicago in a new horror mystery, Be Careful of What You Wish 4, by local author Barbara Wells. The novel even includes companion music.
The story of a serial killer is not unique, but what is unique is making the main character an African-American lesbian music writer who sees through the eyes of the killer. And she's dating an African-American lesbian cop, and tracking a multi-racial killer. So it's not playing to the usual stereotypes.
While the plot is actually interesting, and the characters compelling, my main criticism is with the over-writing and lack of editing. Wells has a good story here, and complex characters, but she crowds them out with an over-use of adjectives and descriptive comparisons. And in some cases the wrong word is used, which could be easily fixed with editing. The devil also plays some role in this Halloween-tinged horror story, but he, too, is an unnecessary and confusing addition. There is enough real terror among humans without the odd interloping of Satan, at least in this story.
What is most fun about the book ( fun if you like horror mysteries ) is the use of Chicago settings, including Cook County Forest Preserve locations, restaurants, expressways, and more. The book ends with a promise of more horror mysteries to come. Next time, I urge Wells to seek out an editor to focus more clearly on the plot and characters.
Barbara Wells will read from and sign copies of Be Careful of What You Wish 4 Friday, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m. at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clarkjust in time for Halloween. Also, her leather bags, inspired by her novel, are available at Turley Road, next to Women & Children First.