Following the dictum of "write what you know," retired physicist Minichino has based her series on Gloria Lamarino, a fiftyish physicist who consults for the Revere, Massachusetts Police Department when a case involves material of a scientific nature.

In her second outing (a reprint of a book originally published in 1998), Gloria's expertise is sought when Congresswoman Margaret Hurley is killed by a hit-and-run driver. Gloria's contact at the police department (who coincidentally is her current love interest), Matt Gennaro, is not satisfied with the original ruling of "accidental" death.

The incident occurred in a wealthy, quiet residential neighborhood, and Hurley has been the subject of some controversy because of her position on a bill concerning the government's helium reserves. Since Gloria understands the industrial importance of helium, she is called in as a consultant.

Because she understands the applications of helium in software technology, Gloria quickly uncovers a motive for the Congresswoman's untimely death. William Carey, CEO of CompTech, has great interest in maintaining access to helium reserves, as does physicist Vincent Cavello, who has money invested in CompTech. In addition, Hurley's brother, Brendan (Buddy) Hurley, operates on the shady side of the law and seem in constant need of funds. He would certainly benefit from the money, which he would inherit as his sister's only heir.

Gloria is decidedly frustrated with her position on the case. Her talents are of a scientific nature and she loves a good puzzle. Gennaro appreciates and welcomes her knowledge, but wants to keep her away from the potentially physically hazardous side of the case. Gloria appreciates his concern, but feels she could solve this case if she were given more of the data. Her impulsive nature forces her to strike out on her own, which proves to be a costly mistake.

Gloria Lamarino is an engaging, believable amateur sleuth. She is extremely knowledgeable in her field, but woefully out of her element in crime investigation. She makes mistakes - which one would expect of an amateur. She is also not young, athletic, beautiful, or psychic. Neither housekeeping nor cooking is among her accomplishments and she does not upstage the police department with her powers of deduction. She more closely resembles a real person than many amateur detectives.

Her present living accommodations allow the author to present some out of the ordinary scenarios. She lives in an apartment above a funeral home owned operated by longtime family friends. Revere is a small town and, as such, it is logical that the body of the murder victim is entrusted to her landlord. Gloria can then logically be placed close to the action and comments both amusing and reassuring about the mortuary business can be discussed.

Author Minichino has an expert's knowledge of physics and an excellent command of the English language. Her description of Frances Whitestone, an eighty five year old woman illustrates her abilities well. "Frances Whitestone would have been hard to pick out of a lineup as a senior citizen. Standing tall and straight, with her hair more red than gray, she wore her money well, from her simple sheath dress in dark green silk, to her rich-looking purse and shoes."

The message of this book is not profound and the solution to the plot not particularly clever but The Helium Murder is a well done tale from a technical viewpoint. The characters and situations are believable and logical. Even the scientifically impaired reader can understand and appreciate the facts and pick up a little education as a bonus.

--Andy Plonka