Murder Can Be A Zoo

Mystery's first zoologist sleuth uncovers a snake pit of deception and sordid deeds in a debut mystery set in the small-town-like atmosphere of a big city zoo.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) July 1, 2007 -- Mystery's first zoologist sleuth uncovers a snake pit of deception and sordid deeds in a debut mystery set in the small-town-like atmosphere of a big city zoo.

Death Roll, by Marilyn Victor and Michael Allan Mallory, offers "engaging characters and an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at zoo life," says Kirkus Reviews. Told through the eyes of zookeeper Lavender "Snake" Jones, a woman more accustomed to khakis than lace, Death Roll plunges her into the depths of a contentious murder investigation. When the Director of the Minnesota Valley Zoo ends up as a late night snack for the zoo's 15-foot saltwater crocodile and the head croc keeper is arrested for the crime, Snake doesn't hesitate to get involved. Against warnings from the police and zoo administrators, Snake uses her knowledge of animal behavior to ferret out the identity of the real killer and prove her friend's innocence. But is she really helping? Each lie she exposes only strengthens the case against him, rattles her belief in those she trusts and, in the end, threatens her own life.

"The deep look at a zoo is cleverly interwoven into the whodunit, but is so well done," says Harriet Klausner of Bookreview.com, "the Minnesota Valley Zoo feels like a key character."

"... This book is by turns amusing and creepy -- in a good way. Snake and Jeff are a great team, the plot is nicely twisty, and action is fast paced. I look forward to more Snake stories from this talented writing team." -- Crimespree Magazine.

Minnesota authors Marilyn Victor and Michael Allan Mallory conceived Death Roll as a way to share their love of animals and raise their readers' awareness of wildlife issues in a fun and entertaining way. "We never let the message get in the way of telling a good mystery," says Victor, who is a volunteer at a major metropolitan zoo. Both authors are members of the American Association of Zoo Keepers and share their homes with a variety of pets. Still, despite all of the interesting animal details in the book, most people are interested in how they write as a team. "Not being related in any way helps," quips Mallory.

Author Contact: Michael Allan Mallory

Email: mmallory @ minn.net

For further information visit: www.snakejones.com

Publisher Contact: Five Star Publishing

Death Roll

Marilyn Victor / Michael Allan Mallory

ISBN 13: 978-1-59414-544-5

Hardcover

###