‘Guilty Mind’ by Irene Marcuse

Published by Walker & Co, New York, 
1^st June 2001.
ISBN: 978-0-80273354-2(HB)

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

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.