Guilty Mind

Anita Servi Mystery #2

by Irene Marcuse

Shortly after Manhattan resident Benno Servi walks Ellen Chapman, a young, black Columbia graduate back to her apartment, she is found stabbed to death with the screwdriver that Benno had given her, leading him to become the prime suspect in the murder of his and his wife's babysitter.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2001

About the author

Irene Marcuse is the granddaughter of social philosopher Herbert Marcuse, an accident of birth that has formed a lot of her life. She has lived all over the United States and worked as a medical technician, long distance telephone operator, house cleaner, waitress, painter and wallpaper hanger, bead stringer, proofreader, and editor before receiving an MSW in social work from Columbia University. Before becoming a full time writer, Irene was Assistant Director of Morningside Retirement and Health Services.

Reviews

[Lizzie Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anita Servi is a happy woman. She has a loving relationship with her husband and daughter. Her job at Senior Services is situated very close to her daughter Clea’s school and she has an excellent reliable babysitter in Ellen.

When Ellen fails to collect Clea from school, Anita is concerned enough to call round at Ellan’s new apartment to check that she is OK. But Ellen is dead, and the last person to see her alive was Benno, Anita’s husband, and slowly Anita’s happy life begins to crumble.

Evidence points to Benno having an affair with Ellan, although Anita is certain that this is not true. Benno does not deny it, but then he is hardly speaking to anyone. Anita’s mother, with whom she is temporary estranged flies in to provide support, which brings its own problems.

When Anita begins her own investigations at the ESLI, English as a second Language Institute, where Ellen had been a student, Benno’s fingerprints are found on the murder weapon, and he is arrested on suspicion of murder. And then Anita’s nightmare begins. For Clea is Anita and Benno’s foster daughter, the adoption not yet finalised, and what will the effect of Bennos arrest for murder have on the proposed adoption of Clea?

Whilst a mystery, this book explores relationships not only of immediate families and extended families but also between different cultures. I found that latter fascinating as Anita attempts to gain information from the students who had known Ellen, all from different cultures. Their individual reactions to questions a stark reminder of the oppression experienced in other countries. It was profoundly insightful and enhanced my enjoyment of the mystery by giving me a lot to think about.

A thought provoking read. Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Hayes

[Spuddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit I was a little disappointed in this second book of the Anita Servi series. Book one was one of the best mysteries I'd read in a long time and it took me awhile to track down book two as it's an older series and probably out of print. The main character is Anita Servi, a social worker in NYC. The series was written (and takes place) in early 2000's. When the young woman who babysits Anita and Benno's daughter Clea is found murdered (by Anita!), she finds herself drawn into the mystery, especially since her husband becomes the number one suspect!

It took me awhile to get into this one and I felt something was off at first. Maybe just sophomore slump. I was back on board by the middle of the book, although I thought the ending a bit predictable. There are two more books in the series and I believe my library has both. I will definitely read on--the fact that I marked this one down from the stellar rating of book one doesn't mean it wasn't good...it just wasn't AS good as book one, which is still saying a lot.

[Barbara Cryer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It did get better. But it was still a bit predictable.

[Beth Appel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread. See review for Death of an Amiable Child.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish Irene Marcuse would write more of her social work-related mysteries, because as both a social worker and a lover of mysteries, these are the ideal books for me.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was the second in the series. i really enjoyed it. started the third today and can find no others. too bad as these were good mysteries