Review by Sunnyridge -- Veterans Day by J. J. Jorgens

Sunnyridge · Post by **Sunnyridge** » 28 Aug 2017, 09:37

[Following is a volunteer review of "Veterans Day" by J. J. Jorgens.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Veterans Day by J. J. Jorgens is a Mary Jane Morris Mystery. Jorgens grew up with detectives like Nancy Drew, then progressed to a more serious Spillane. She was disappointed in James Bond and preferred the smarter and more resourceful female character over the “exasperated men around them”.

I had a similar journey, starting with Nancy Drew, so I was excited and had high expectations. I was not disappointed. There is a refreshing simplicity and clarity that is in Nancy Drew and Mary Jane Morris. She will solve her friend’s murder and there will be consequences to those who perpetrate injustice. I also found a child like sense of humor that Nancy Drew would have admired. Mary Jane, in disguise, tells a reporter that Mary Jane acts like a witch. With the help of her dog Bear, the reporter is terrified and runs for her life. Of course, Mary Jane feels her best friends are her two dogs.

This is a book for all ages. Halloween and ghosts start this fast pace and fearless adventure including a race to beat a train, which she wins. But, the race to save her ex-partner is not so successful. His ghost is the catalyst for this story. Why was Davy killed and how can she get justice? Halloween has turned into a true scary story.

The explanation of who is Mary Jane Morris unfolds with her writing her obituary. This is how she occupies her time while she waits for the arrival of men that are intent upon causing her demise. This mystery is set in Washington D. C. with its contradictions of cherry blossoms, high crime rates, political compromise and undercurrents of deceit and sabotage. Not afraid of violence, with her souped up Land Rover, she is determined to finish Davy’s investigation.

The author does provide some interesting twist to this story, which can become great talking points for a book club as well as possible plot lines for future books. Mary Jane has a romantic interest with her doctor Lorenzo Romolo. He is legally divorced in the USA, but not in his home country of Uruguay where his wife lives. Another twist is with her roommate Sally. She is in hiding from her husband because he is trying to get custody of their son. Atypical issues like this are food for thought.

Another welcome surprise is the tidbits of historical interest and references to formidable females from the past. She mentions “the all-white DAR refused to allow the African American singer Marion Anderson to perform” so Elenor Roosevelt resigned from the organization. It is easy to see where J. J. Jorgens gets her inspiration for this gritty female character.

It takes a village to raise a child and solve this mystery. There is a variety of helpful people introduced throughout the story including her roommate reporter, veterans, law enforcement officers, computer experts, clergy, mechanics , etc. All ages, all walks of life make this mystery relatable to almost everyone. By using disguises to blend in with these various socioeconomic levels, humor is injected into many scenes. I find this a necessary element to balances the violent nature of her work, and the contrast keeps the plot moving at a fast pace.

While murder mystery is a timeless subject, the topics within this story are current. There is corruption in the VA, corporate greed, and power mongers. A computer expert called Dark Side is more concerned about the challenge of his task than the end result. This may reflect how technology can be used for both good and evil. There is a preponderance of misinformation found in the press. Mary Jane reflects “People have become so desperate that they cling to lies like life preservers.” Is this a commentary on the allegations of false news in todays headlines?

I totally enjoyed this book and give it a 4 out of 4 stars. There are few grammatical errors. It is an easy and enjoyable read for all ages. I found the core story to be honest with some unique twists and historical lessons woven throughout the narrative. Take this book to the beach, your back yard or daily commute and enjoy. When you are done, you will look for the next book in the series.

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Veterans Day
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