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In Time of Need
Mrs. Madeline Reed is a 68-year-old woman who has done nothing with her life other than getting married after high school graduation and work as a cafeteria-aid until she retired.She always believed that she could have achieved more, but, sadly, it never happened. A shy person, she always loved reading, especially detective novels, such as Miss Marple, and often played with the idea of becoming a private investigator.When her next-door neighbor’s daughter and son-in-law died in a house-fire, Mrs. Gluck hires Madeline to find out if that no-good son-in-law of hers was still cheating on her daughter at the time of the accident.What Madeline finds out is shocking—it’s murder! Murder most foul!
154 pages, Paperback
Published November 11, 2011
5 people want to read
About the author
Alan Zacher
12 books133 followersAfter being a "struggling" actor in Los Angeles for many years, I returned home to St. Louis and turned to writing. I have had four novels published: I'm No P. I.; A Ghoulish Good Time; Murder, Vampires and Leprechauns and For They Shall Wait. I have been a member of Goodreads for some years now, but for a year, in 2015, I was in a rehab house--my MS finally took its toll on my body. I'm back now; I know both physical and mental pain, and I need much laughter to endure it all. Hopefully, my novels do just that--give much laughter. My email address is: zacher123.mail.com. Alan
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 2, 2023
In Time of Need by Alan Zacher artfully weaves together elements of mystery and coming-of-age into the unique narrative about its charismatic protagonist, the 67-year-old Madeline. Surprising, even her husband, Madeline, embarks on an unexpected journey to fulfill her dream of becoming a private detective. Though her initial attempts are met with difficulty, a tragic event catapults her into her first real case.
When a close friend, Ruby, loses her daughter Laura in a devastating fire, she adamantly disputes the official verdict of accidental death. However, the preceding events cast a shadow of suspicion, prompting Ruby to enlist Madeline's detective prowess. The investigation unravels a labyrinth of secrets, challenging everything Madeline thought she knew.
Author Alan Zacher excels in portraying rich and multifaceted characters, enabling the readers to establish an emotional connection, thus rendering them more than just two-dimensional figures in a novel. As we delve deeper into the intricate plot, we can't help but ponder whether the unveiled truths will pave the way for justice.
Amidst this engrossing drama, the book also tenderly navigates the relationship between Madeline and her steadfast, though unassuming, husband, Peter. Their journey is so charming that readers will find themselves silently cheering for their happiness.
In Time of Need is a compelling read; I feel a potential area for refinement lies in one of the climactic scenes. Here, Madeline finds herself in jeopardy as she anticipates the arrival of a police officer. Unfortunately, his delay, albeit explained, appears implausible given his prior knowledge of Madeline's predicament, creating a gap in an otherwise seamlessly woven plot.
In Time of Need is an engaging and suspenseful mystery with an enigmatic amateur sleuth. Zacher's crafting of a well-structured narrative with interesting characters makes this novel a worthwhile read. The profound characterization, along with an intriguing plot, indeed offers an enthralling literary experience.
When a close friend, Ruby, loses her daughter Laura in a devastating fire, she adamantly disputes the official verdict of accidental death. However, the preceding events cast a shadow of suspicion, prompting Ruby to enlist Madeline's detective prowess. The investigation unravels a labyrinth of secrets, challenging everything Madeline thought she knew.
Author Alan Zacher excels in portraying rich and multifaceted characters, enabling the readers to establish an emotional connection, thus rendering them more than just two-dimensional figures in a novel. As we delve deeper into the intricate plot, we can't help but ponder whether the unveiled truths will pave the way for justice.
Amidst this engrossing drama, the book also tenderly navigates the relationship between Madeline and her steadfast, though unassuming, husband, Peter. Their journey is so charming that readers will find themselves silently cheering for their happiness.
In Time of Need is a compelling read; I feel a potential area for refinement lies in one of the climactic scenes. Here, Madeline finds herself in jeopardy as she anticipates the arrival of a police officer. Unfortunately, his delay, albeit explained, appears implausible given his prior knowledge of Madeline's predicament, creating a gap in an otherwise seamlessly woven plot.
In Time of Need is an engaging and suspenseful mystery with an enigmatic amateur sleuth. Zacher's crafting of a well-structured narrative with interesting characters makes this novel a worthwhile read. The profound characterization, along with an intriguing plot, indeed offers an enthralling literary experience.
August 10, 2025
i'm actually giving this book a 3 minus. so sappy, no surprises and you will figure it out by the 1st clue. but it was cozy. what i don't know is how i ended up reading the Chicken Soup writer's book.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews