Little Lamb Lost
By Margaret Fenton
Oceanview Publishing, $25.95
ISBN: 978-1-933515-51-9

This debut novel takes a look at a dedicated social worker, Claire Conover, who doesn't believe that her client murdered her two-year-old son with an overdose, despite the fact that she pled guilty and was sentenced to prison. Previously Claire had returned the baby, who had been put in foster care, to the mother after the latter cleaned up her act, was sober for 18 months and was working two jobs.

There is no shortage of suspects and Claire continues to be haunted by her belief that someone other than the mother was guilty of the crime. Warnings to close the case, threats of losing her job, and caution that her life could be in danger do not deter her from her efforts to "reach the truth."

For a first effort, the novel moves fluidly and maintains the reader's interest with excellent descriptions and a solid plot. It provides an insider's insights into the human resources system and foster care [as well as a native's knowledge of Birmingham, Alabama], and is recommended.

Review by THEODORE FEIT

©2009 Lorie Ham. All rights reserved.