Amorous Accident is an adeptly written murder mystery set in a medical research facility.  A prominent but heartless researcher is murdered in his laboratory. He is killed painfully using a method very similar to the “research” procedure he uses on his canine laboratory subjects. A wide array of potential suspects complicate the investigation including jealous colleagues, administrators, people from the victim’s personal life, and of course animal rights activists. The investigators find many intriguing secrets in their detective work, though often these revelations have little connection to the murder.

     The author makes excellent use of the situation to shed light on the issue of animals in laboratories. This is done on a cognitive level, by describing just what is done to these animals and just how little true scientific value much of this research has. But it is also done on an emotional level, by bringing to life two lovable canine research subjects. Keating does an admirable job of making each dog a unique individual rather than just cute objects or generic victims.

     The mystery plot is also handled well. The murderer’s identity is not obvious; yet at the same time, the resolution is plausible when it is finally revealed. Along the way, there are enough surprises to keep the reader interested.

     There are two protagonists here- the police officer who investigates the case and the detective’s in-law who sticks her nose into police business, cares for the dogs, and eventually figures it all out. The later character has a relationship with her animals that may be a bit too cutesy for some readers. In addition, she breeds Papillons which is not a primary focus of the story, but may be a turn-off for some readers interested in animal rights and overpopulation issues.

     But aside from this, Amorous Accident is a good read that highlights the important issue of animal research. It never becomes preachy or strays from being an entertaining novel while still delivering an important message.

Read Chapter One of Amorous Accident here

© 2000 Jean Keating All Rights Reserved. 
To contact Jean Keating via email