Sue Berg’s latest novel DEATH AT THE DENTIST is led by sleuth Sonja Hovland, a blue-collar cleaner with deep roots in her community. Well-connected and sharp, Sonja is supported by a cast of former classmates, clients, and business partners who rally to help clear her name after she stumbles upon a suspicious death. While the community feels lived-in, the narrative occasionally lingers on deep details regarding minor characters. As this is the first book in a series, it remains to be seen if these details are seeds for future installments or simply over-explanation.
The novel alternates between Sonja’s first-person narration and a third-person perspective. Sonja’s voice is wonderfully casual and easy to connect with; her no-frills approach and straight-shooting personality make her immediately likable. While the third-person chapters are well-paced and provide a broader view of the investigation, they can feel like a letdown when Sonja is the focus, as her distinct personality feels somewhat muffled with the shift.
Sonja takes immense pride in “her people” and knows her city intimately. At times, however, the specific focus on buildings, landmarks, and roads can be distracting for a reader unfamiliar with the area. Much like the character backstories, some of these geographical details feel superfluous—though they would likely hold a special appeal for those familiar with La Crosse.
The mystery is well-paced, making for a book that’s easy to binge. Learning the motive and means of the killer keeps the tension high. A few elements do seem unresolved in the end, leaving the reader wondering if they are intentional cliffhangers that will come up again in later installments or if the book might have needed a bit more editing to catch these holes. For example, an attempted attack on Sonja and her husband is never traced back to the culprit and seems inconsistent with the antagonist’s means and goals.
Despite that, the author still succeeds at compellingly introducing readers to Sonja Hovland. In the end, DEATH AT THE DENTIST is an exciting start to the Dirty Business Mystery Series, offering a welcome blend of community spirit and Midwestern grit to the genre.
In the first of a new series, Sue Berg’s DEATH AT THE DENTIST is a commendable celebration of community, Midwestern pride, and people who work hard every day.
~ Samantha Bishop for IndieReader