Murder in Winnetka

Rating:
Summary: A Real Page-Turner!
Review: A friend recommended 'Murder in Winnetka' to me and since I usually read non-fiction I was reluctant to pick it up. When I did, I couldn't put it down! The intriguing plot twists and turns through Chicago's North Shore and the fascinating lives of its wealthy residents as it races to a shocking, shattering conclusion. The fictional characters are as real as the actual Chicago locations that serve as their backdrop. There is something for everyone in the steamy romance, mysterious murder, political intrigue and suspensful kidnapping all intertwined in this compelling first novel. I can't wait to read S.C. Pemberton's next book!

Rating:
Summary: Weaves a world of power and greed
Review: As many mystery writers, S.C. Pemberton gained her writing skills in other areas: as a playwright and copywriter, as well as broadcasting. She has also been an actress, which gives her the background for this unusual mystery. Ms. Pemberton is a University of Florida alumni and a native Floridian who made her way to the Midwest.

Jonathan and Meridith Chamberlain, at first look, have it all. Jonathan is the son of an influential congressman, and Meridith is an heiress. They live in the most affluent section of Chicago's North Shore, Winnetka. But having it all is not enough. Their marriage is failing; Jonathan is in financial trouble; and then the police find the body of Tony Romano in their home. Their children never made it to school that day; every parent's nightmare:

"Chelsea was wary and stood silent. The woman continued in a gentle voice, 'I work with your mother at the North Lake Community House. She's already called the school, and they know you're going with me. My name is Laura.' The woman held out her hand. Chelsea wasn't sure. Something told her to go to the office and see if her mother had really called. She was remembering all the warnings from mom and her teachers. She back off. A hired guard sat, not ten feet away. His presence was the result of the shootings at the school in May of 1987. Another mother was coaxing him to take a forgotten lunch bag to a classroom, and he was busy explaining he could not leave his post."

Pemberton uses her technical expertise in broadcasting and the theater to set the stage for this romantic and captivating mystery. The character of Meri Chamberlain is as likable as her husband Jonathan is despicable. A theme of unbridled power and ambition juxtaposed by the character of an unlikely mob boss makes for powerful reading material. Even as Meri is swept off of her feet by the handsome Tony Romano, evil is lurking in the wings, waiting to take the life of her children in exchange for political favors.

Murder In Winnetka weaves a world of power and greed that thrill and entertains the reader.

Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer

Rating:
Summary: A thrill-a-minute page turner waiting to be a movie
Review: I was amazed at the fun I had while reading S.C. Pemberton's first novel, Murder in Winnetka. I never guessed the surprise ending and felt like I knew each character. I felt like I was at the movies, to the extent that I cast each character in my head with popular stars. Loved reading this!!! Please write more books!!!

Rating:
Summary: A thrill-a-minute page turner waiting to be a movie
Review: I was amazed at the fun I had while reading S.C. Pemberton's first novel, Murder in Winnetka. I never guessed the surprise ending and felt like I knew each character. I felt like I was at the movies, to the extent that I cast each character in my head with popular stars. Loved reading this!!! Please write more books!!!