Review of Do No Evil by Kymberly and Ashley Goltermann

Review of Do No Evil by Kymberly Goltermann and Ashley L. Goltermann, 2010. Outskirts Press. $15.95

Do No Evil, Kymberly and Ashley L. Goltermann’s first Artemis Agency novel, stacks up to its billing as a unique perspective on the women sleuth’s mystery genre. The authors recognize and accept the clichés of the industry, and successfully buck the sappy romantic integrated in an overly dramatic detective profession. Humor and sarcasm throughout the novel prove the authors respect but don’t take themselves too seriously.

Primary characters Phineas and Phoebe Nobul command their father’s ‘no bull’ legacy, with the added element of the ‘or we’re going to kick your ass (or find another way to find the information we need)’ attitude. In this respect, especially, Phineas’ strong personality rubs off on the more demure Phoebe as the novel goes on, accentuating the women’s roller coaster ride of a life. Romantic interests develop well in his novel, easily allowing readers into the women’s heads enough to feel the range of their emotions, but not enough to detract from the Nobuls’ pursuit of sleuthing. Personal and professional lives fluidly intermingle throughout the novel, as humans satisfy curiosity, libido, and a solid non-judgmental interdependence.

Momentum builds quickly after an unfortunately overdone exposition that may lose readers. Beyond the first chapter, readers become immersed in the small Western New York town of Lair’s convoluted side, learning more about each primary and secondary character with each page. Eccentric family members and grounding boyfriends add to the humanity of the sisters and the realistic town.

Alternating chapters from each of the Nobul sisters’ perspectives reveal the dichotomous connection between the two. The sisters not only gain a solid footing in their private investigation business and solve several murders that crop up thirty years after an incident of office party inhumanity. They also come closer as sisters, sharing near-death and near-to-the-recently-dead experiences most sisters never experience. Readers feel connected to a family they want to see more of (can we say sequel?!).

Yes, it’s a bit far-fetched that dead bodies would start appearing at the Nobuls’ new office before their sign is even on the door, but by the time they do, readers are entrenched in the personal and haphazard lives of Phineas and Phoebe, so this coincidence barely gains notice.

The sisters have a noble cause to fight for, a truth that must be so hidden and deep that someone didn’t trust the cops to tend to it, and the sisters play right into the murderer’s hands, concealing evidence (rightfully so) from the very cops assigned to protect them. Little do the women know one of these sworn officers conceals a terrible secret and is integral to the case.

The truth unravels at a solid clip, hurling readers along with the train. Do No Evil is a solid example of strong women working together to solve their community’s issues. The authors present a strong first novel, whose sequel will no doubt be even better. This reviewer for one cannot wait to find out what will transpire as Phineas takes the case of the murderer!


Sueann Wells

Editor, Mother Muse

Sueannwells.blogspot.com

Review of Do No Evil by Kymberly and Ashley Goltermann

Review of Do No Evil by Kymberly Goltermann and Ashley L. Goltermann, 2010. Outskirts Press. $15.95

Do No Evil, Kymberly and Ashley L. Goltermann’s first Artemis Agency novel, stacks up to its billing as a unique perspective on the women sleuth’s mystery genre. The authors recognize and accept the clichés of the industry, and successfully buck the sappy romantic integrated in an overly dramatic detective profession. Humor and sarcasm throughout the novel prove the authors respect but don’t take themselves too seriously.

Primary characters Phineus and Phoebe Nobul command their father’s ‘no bull’ legacy, with the added element of the ‘or we’re going to kick your ass (or find another way to find the information we need)’ attitude. In this respect, especially, Phineus’ strong personality rubs off on the more demure Phoebe as the novel goes on, accentuating the women’s roller coaster ride of a life. Romantic interests develop well in his novel, easily allowing readers into the women’s heads enough to feel the range of their emotions, but not enough to detract from the Nobuls’ pursuit of sleuthing. Personal and professional lives fluidly intermingle throughout the novel, as humans satisfy curiosity, libido, and a solid non-judgmental interdependence.

Momentum builds quickly after an unfortunately overdone exposition that may lose readers. Beyond the first chapter, readers become immersed in the small Western New York town of Lair’s convoluted side, learning more about each primary and secondary character with each page. Eccentric family members and grounding boyfriends add to the humanity of the sisters and the realistic town.

Alternating chapters from each of the Nobul sisters’ perspectives reveal the dichotomous connection between the two. The sisters not only gain a solid footing in their private investigation business and solve several murders that crop up thirty years after an incident of office party inhumanity. They also come closer as sisters, sharing near-death and near-to-the-recently-dead experiences most sisters never experience. Readers feel connected to a family they want to see more of (can we say sequel?!).

Yes, it’s a bit far-fetched that dead bodies would start appearing at the Nobuls’ new office before their sign is even on the door, but by the time they do, readers are entrenched in the personal and haphazard lives of Phineus and Phoebe, so this coincidence barely gains notice.

The sisters have a noble cause to fight for, a truth that must be so hidden and deep that someone didn’t trust the cops to tend to it, and the sisters play right into the murderer’s hands, concealing evidence (rightfully so) from the very cops assigned to protect them. Little do the women know one of these sworn officers conceals a terrible secret and is integral to the case.

The truth unravels at a solid clip, hurling readers along with the train. Do No Evil is a solid example of strong women working together to solve their community’s issues. The authors present a strong first novel, whose sequel will no doubt be even better. This reviewer for one cannot wait to find out what will transpire as Phineus takes the case of the murderer!

Sueann Wells

Editor, Mother Muse

Sueannwells.blogspot.com