Buy Now!Library Journal Review
New York City astrologer David Lowell doesn't normally waste his time working with clients he finds unlikable. But when renowned surgeon-and insufferable egotist-Dr. Ethan Williamson explains his problem, Lowell is drawn in because of the man's compelling story about his twin sons. The boys were separated at birth owing to a marital rift, and now the son in Williamson's custody needs a kidney in order to live. When Lowell and his team easily find the "missing" mother and son, his doubts about the doctor's motives escalate. Using sophisticated astrology charts to dissect the case, Lowell realizes he must work fast to save the boys from their father. A secondary case involving a marshmallow company provides comic relief.
VERDICT This quick-to-read series will delight Nero Wolfe fans (Rex Stout). The third entry in a clever run (after Death in the 12th House: Where Neptune Rules) is an obvious pick for astrology fans, but works well for those who fancy a good puzzler. (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly
David Lowell tackles two cases in Lewis’s engrossing third mystery featuring the New York City astrologer and PI (after 2012’s Death in the 12th House). Surgeon Ethan Williamson is willing to pay $1 million in cash up-front if Lowell will agree to locate his wife, from whom he’s separated, and Kevin, his 15-year-old son, who has lived with the mother since soon after birth. Kevin’s twin brother, Edward, who lives with Ethan, desperately needs a kidney transplant, and Kevin is the best donor option—if he can be found.
In addition, Buddy Ferguson, the owner of the Happy Snappy Marshmallow Company, wants Lowell to identify the embezzler whose theft threatens his employees’ entire retirement fund. Hacker Mort Simpson,Lowell’s attorney daughter Melinda, and others provide non-psychic support, as Lowell refines his readings to close in on clever and deadly scams. Astrology fans and skeptics alike will be pleased.
California Bookwatch: June 2014
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Evil in the First House provides a fine new Starlight Detective Agency mystery, and presents astrologer detective David Lowell's most difficult case involving a briefcase of a million dollars - IF he can locate the twin brother of the doctor's teen son in time for a kidney transplant. It's unusual to see a mystery revolving around an astrologer detective, a psychic hacker, and a bodyguard - but these elements spice and add interest to the search for a missing twin and his mother, making for an exceptional read recommended for mystery fans looking for something new in the way of characters and approaches to solving crimes.
MBR Bookwatch: June 2014
Midwest Book Review
Klausner's Bookshelf
In Manhattan Dr. Ethan Williamson offers nationally known Starlight Detective Agency chief David Lowell $1 million in cash if he searches for his missing wife Gloria Greenwood; if he finds her the surgeon will give the astrologist-private detective another million. Williamson further explains they have been separated since just after their twin sons were born. After a nasty fight following the births, she vanished with now fifteen year old Kevin while leaving behind Edward with Ethan to raise by himself. Edward will soon die if he fails to receive a compatible kidney as the lad has an extremely rare blood type and his dad has only one good organ; leaving his sibling as the obvious suitable match.
While working this case and another inquiry, Lowell obtains help from his six foot daughter Melinda the lawyer, hacker guru Mort, office assistant Sarah and bodyguard-driver Andy. Others from California also become embroiled into the inquiry; as nothing is quite like the client claimed.
The third Starlight Detective Agency case (see Murder on the 11th House and Death in the 12th House) is an engaging twisting mystery with the paranormal seeming so genuine due to normalcy brought to the storyline by the staff; for instance Lowell needs legal advice on transplants instead of the stars. As fans, Lowell and his staff accept karma, Evil in the 1st House is a fun fascinating astrological private investigative thriller.