The GLBTRT has been reviewing books and movies in its newsletter since the early 1990s. Trace the evolution of queer publishing through these historic reviews. This review was originally published in Vol. 4, No. 2, Summer 1992.

Murder is Germane. By Karen Saum. Naiad Press, 1991. Paper. $8.95. (ISBN 0-9411483-98-3)

This is the second Brigid Donovan mystery. (The first was Murder is Relative, which I have not read.) Brigid is 52 years old, a recovering alcoholic, a former nun, a lesbian, and an amateur detective. All these conditions work themselves into and out of the storyline.

This particular tale involves the disappearance and presumed murder of a man who worked for the INS (Immigration & Naturalization Service) in Maine. Very quickly the plot thickens and we find there are connections to drug smuggling in Panama, where about half the story is played out. EventuaI1y we are subjected to three very gruesome murders, an attempted murder, a suspicious death, one beating, a little torture, a great deal of drinking and drunkenness, much unrequited lesbian lust among current and former nuns, and one sexual encounter between the heroine and a woman twelve years her senior whom she has desired for more than fifty years.

There are too many characters and just a bit too many subplots. There are many scenes that start and then stop abruptly. The writing is uneven, there is no genuine tension. Overall, this is a rather ordinary murder mystery. Recommended for purchase by lesbians who want a very light read and who want to support lesbian presses, and for lesbian reading rooms. Not recommended for purchase by libraries.

Reviewed by Jo McClamroch
University of Minnesota
Duluth,MN