Since DD is the only known new person in the office with tight security and since she has doubts about Frank’s death being a suicide, and it soon becomes known that Frank and Ken did not get along well when they were both alive, DD becomes an immediate suspect. 

DD hated Ken, but knows she didn’t kill him and so continues the job at HI-Data hoping to uncover the truth.  When her brake lines are cut, DD knows she has uncovered something at the company, but not what. Despite all warnings, she continues to try and piece together what is going on, in the back of her mind, hoping that it will lead to the truth about Frank’s death.

 A second storyline that puts DD in harm’s way is her aunt Elizabeth’s arrival from Scotland with a newly purchased artifact that Elizabeth believes to be an unknown poem by Robert Burns.  DD is doubtful, but the object looks authentic and obviously someone else agrees since it is soon stolen, giving DD another mystery to investigate. 

The first in a projected series, The Cadger’s Curse nicely combines a soft-boiled mystery with a touch of literati and Scottish heritage, making a interesting blend for many to enjoy.  DD is haunted by Frank’s death and is attempting to refocus her life as a way to cope.  She is independent, and for the most part, doesn’t have too many close friends, relying heavily on her inner strength.  Her aunt Elizabeth adds sparkle to the cast and provides the basis for an interesting sub-plot.  The HI-Data mystery is well-plotted and reasonably easy to figure out, the Robert Burns a little trickier, and there is never the feeling that the two are related or cross paths.  This is a good start to what could be a series with an interesting twist and a new type of detective: a literary soft-boiled detective.                                                  

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry