The Abortionist’s Daughter. Book Review
The Abortionist’s Daughter
By Elisabeth Hyde
Every once in a while, my local library puts some carts out in front chock full of books that they are getting rid of. I am not sure why but nonetheless they are there and when I have time I take a gander. The last time I checked out the library cart I picked up this book. It sounded interesting so I figured why not! I am always looking for more books to add to my collection. I did not know what to expect from a book with this title – I had no expectations either way and I have to say that I did enjoy it.
The abortion doctor, Diana Duprey, is found dead in her pool. It is clear from the knot on her head that someone had hit her and left her for dead. There was no forced entry. Her husband, Frank, a career prosecutor, was not home and neither was her daughter, Megan, a college freshman. No one wanted to believe that Frank could kill his wife, but as the husband, he was the presumptive suspect. Frank admitted to arguing with Diana before he left and she got in the pool. It turns out Megan also had a fight with her mother earlier that day. So who were the possible other suspects? Anti-abortion activists who regularly threatened Diana and staked out her clinic day after day…but which one? And why now? The story progresses as the investigation goes through the activities of the main characters leading up to Diana’s death – eventually identifying the murderer…but I won’t give that away – you will have to read the book!
The story is presented from two perspectives. We see the perspectives of Frank, Megan, and the rest of the characters; and then we see it from the perspective of Diana. Through Diana’s eyes, we see exactly what happened leading up to her murder. We see where she was, who she was with, and what she was doing the few days before her demise. Intertwining Diana’s side of the story and what everyone else knew made it an interesting read and kept me engrossed from start to finish.
As you can imagine, Diana’s occupation is the thread that runs through the story and her interactions with the other characters. The story is dotted with interesting discussions and debates about the challenges Diana faces. I found it thought provoking and that added a bit of depth to the story.
I would recommend this book as a quick and easy read. I could imagine by the pool or at the beach picking this up and reading it from cover to cover in a day. If that is your poison, then be sure to use sunscreen and wear a hat! Enjoy
