MOM AMONG THE LIARS

Once again, Mom's the sleuth who solves the case for son Dave, investigator for public defender Ann Swenson in Mesa Grande, Colorado (Mom Doth Murder Sleep, etc.). Here, the victim is strangled prostitute and brothel-keeper Edna Pulaski; the accused is homeless wino Harry Stubbins, seemingly caught red-handed but denying any guilt. An election looms, and D.A. Marvin McBride- -separated from his wife, lazy, and no mean drinker himself—is determined to make the most of the case. Ann and Dave are sure that Stubbins is being railroaded. Before they're through, with Mom feeding Dave her deductions, they've uncovered a connection between Edna and McBride; there's been another killing; and a showy ring- -plus some carelessness—has brought the murderer to justice, or at least to trial. The usual mix of Mom's Yiddish shtick, Dave's guilt-ridden inability to reason as she does, and some mildly interesting characters—all in a low-key, amiable, but unexciting story.