After a pre-dawn phone call, newspaper reporter Annie Seymour arrives at a horrific crime scene. She sees the naked body of a girl on the street.
Bigger then the news of the crime is the discovery that the victim was a Yale student. Annie’s pending story is bound to send shockwaves through the community. Those devoted to Yale don’t like to see the school’s reputation marred by homicide.
Further investigation by Annie opens up more cans of worms. The victim is connected to an escort service. There are whispers of a cover up. The deeper Annie digs, the more prominent names she finds.
Sacred Cows follows Annie Seymour in her attempt to find answers. Karen E. Olson introduces a strong supporting cast in her debut novel. The author’s own familiarity with the newspaper business gives readers a glimpse into the politics of daily publication.
Annie is a likable character. Her imperfections, endearing and real, along with her occupation allow her to stand out from today’s other crime solvers. Well-timed dark humor enhances the tale. Some character ties aren’t fully defined (the relationship between Annie and her mom seems unclear), but that’s common in a series' first novel. Luckily, Olson has a second novel in the works, so we can get to Annie Seymour even better.
Sacred Cows is a Sara Ann Freed Award winner.
