Claudia Whitsitt

Uneven tone, clumsy writing, and unbelievable characters mar this self-published mystery set around the time of the John Norman Collins murders in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, Michigan. The book is part romance (with an odd stance towards sex... save yourself-- not until marriage -- but for someone you think is the right guy) part primer on friendship (as roomies, Katie and her roommate Janie have a dysfunctional relationship), part mystery (Janie is abducted and found bound-and-gagged, otherwise unharmed) and part social history (set in 1968 on the EMU campus with interesting side notes on their relationship with their black suite mates --okay by night, never in public!) The John Norman Collins murders, while real enough, seem to be thrown in for no good purpose but to heighten the general fear factor. The book is best at capturing that time (late 1960s, college life) which now seems naive and simple. Recommended -- tepidly -- to nondiscerning readers seeking light romance and mystery.… (més)

Identity Issues is a well-written mystery featuring housewife, teacher, and mother-of-five Samantha Stitsill. After her husband's identity is stolen, a string of bizarre incidents take place. They begin with late night phone calls and letters from someone in Botswana. When an immigrant mother of two confronts Sam about her husband, believing they are married to the same Jon Stitsill, Sam finds herself drawn into the depths of a puzzling mystery.

Her husband is often away on international travel, leaving Sam to raise 5 kids and balance a full time job as a Special Ed teacher. We only get to meet Jon Stitsill through Samantha, giving us a taste of how little time he spends with his family. Sam is the one left to figure out the identity theft issue rather than her husband, who is the victim of the crime.

The writing is tight and crisp. The author describes the life of a "single" mother very well (single as in married, yet alone). Women in a similar situation will identify with the protagonist. Detective McGrath makes Sam's life more interesting, especially when things heat up between them.

The plot line is clever, though the story does leave the reader with a number of unanswered questions, indicating a possible sequel.… (més)