The Lithium Murder

Periodic Table #3

by Camille Minichino

A new mystery in this unique series based on the 109 elements of the periodic table plunges plucky physicist Gloria Lamerino into an explosive mixture of hard science and sudden death. Synthesize Angela Lansbury's Jessica Fletcher with pure essence of Sue Grafton. Add a pinch of Patricia Cornwell as catalyst. Stir vigorously, then stand back--because once this formula starts to fizz, it's definitely volatile. Someone could get killed.In fact, someone does--an elderly janitor at a government-funded lab in Revere, Massachusetts--and when the homicide cops investigate, their first reaction is that they need the expert assistance of someone who knows her way around the table of elements. That would be Gloria Lamerino, retired-physicist-turned-scientific-consultant to Revere's police department, and the feisty, adventurous, intelligent heroine of Minichino's provocative and original series of mysteries.It isn't long before Gloria develops a hypothesis: The lab's hush-hush lithium experiments aren't the only secrets she'll uncover before her research project is done, if she lives so long. After all, one man's dead already--and lithium can be very deadly.

Featuring an engaging, not-so-young heroine with both brains and hips; her lovable boyfriend, Matt Gennaro; and a quirky, believable cast of Italian-American characters, this thoroughly gripping thriller is clever and precisely plotted enough to rival Agatha Christie . . . if she'd only had a Ph.D. in physics and a Yankee twang.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Camille Minichino is also known as Ada Madison and Margaret Grace.

Reviews

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gloria has been in Revere, MA for almost a year now, happily settled, a budding romance with a local detective, and just about to tell all that she's going to stay permanently. She's also thrilled when the murder of a custodian from the local physics lab is found dead, especially when he works in the Lithium Lab which is working on smaller, stronger, longer lasting batteries made from lithium which brings with it a host of problems with waste disposal and stability. Once again Gloria is contracted - briefly - to assist the local police but goes too far putting herself in danger.

I just love Gloria, her Catholic guilt and middle-aged uncertainties in her personal life but confidence in her knowledge and skills as a retired physicist. She's still coming to terms with much in her past life, but at the same time, she's finding her way as a retiree. Part of that is lectures she's giving monthly to a university class about science, and during this mystery, the author uses those to incorporate informaton about an 18th Century teen mathematician Maria Agnesi and the first computer programer, Ada Lovelace. Minichino is so good at sharing historical and scientific information without it bogging down the plot.

These stories are set in the 90s, this was published in 1999. People still relied on landlines and phones with cords, overhead projectors and transparencies, telephone books, typewriters. It all felt very natural, and of course, a touch nostalgic. It's too bad these books are basically OOP because there is nothing like them to being written today.

It was also interesting to be reading this particular series entry now as I deal with ion battery caused fires as part of my legal practice.

[NebulousGloom (FK) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't the best written mystery series out there, as some of the bits are a little forced. However, the characterization is good and the mysteries themselves are interesting. I do like the way she has managed to work in science history without that seeming forced. I do feel like the "gatekeeper" phenomenon, in which someone tries to keep the main character from investigating the mystery, is getting to be a bit much, though. I mean, after this, the supporting characters will be annoying if they are constantly telling her to not do what she is clearly going to do. Hopefully, the author will have come up with an interesting way to deal with this in the next book, as opposed to just carrying on with the same formula.

[Vi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of a series. Each book has an item from the Periodical Chart. I'm not into science but it is an interesting story.

[Koji Mukai · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lightweight mystery with a science theme.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good mystery with humorous and realistic character interactions. I enjoy each story and following these people.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little cosy set in 1920s London. Second in a series. Mabel is working for the Useful Woman Bureau and once again winds up looking into a murder. Most of the same characters are back and things move along. There are enough clues for you to come to the same conclusion as Mabel, but I'll let you read it.

[Cathie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I think this was one of the better of the first three books. I enjoy the main characters, though Gloria really needs to be honest. She lies by omission quite a bit, meaning she isn't showing much respect to those who are close to her. I can see why Matt would not trust her. There is some good humor in the book. The plot and storyline was good. Highly recommend.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Skimmed most of just to find out who done it.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lithium Murder by Camille Minichino is the third book in the periodic table mystery series. When a janitor at a government laboratory researching lithium batteries is murdered, Gloria Lamerino is hired by the police to help with the scientific issues of the investigation. It is not long before her questions lead her into danger and make her a target of the murderer. A fast paced mystery and great addition to the series. Gloria is smart and down to earth with plenty of insecurities. It is great to see her relationship with Matt develop and progress. I look forward to the next installment.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too predictable with "I shouldn't do this but I'm going to, anyway" moments. On the plus side, I liked the main character, an unapologetic 56-yo, female physicist.

[Pat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good.
Boyfriend is a cop.