Getting Sassy

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From BooklistBrod (Heartstone, 2005) opens her latest novel with fortyish Robyn Guthrie contemplating robbing her local liquor store. It seems she can’t afford to keep her mother comfortably situated in an assisted-living facility, and guilt, annoyance, and love are wreaking havoc with her psyche. Then along comes a jockey turned larcenous accountant; a psychic (who seems to know more about Robyn’s family history than Robyn does); and a racehorse and its goat companion (the titular Sassy), each of whom plays a role in convincing vulnerable Robyn that crime can pay. In the course of the ensuing chaos, Robyn becomes a reluctant kidnapper (Would you want to kidnap a goat?), but before the deed is completed, murder and family secrets intrude. Fortunately, Brod lets readers make their own judgments about Robyn’s choices as the action moves smartly along. While there are plenty of comedic hijinks, Brod might have done even more with the situational humor inherent in the goofy setup. In the end, though, what stands out most is the surprisingly affecting portrait of a woman caught in the midst of a parent’s sad but sure mental decline. --Stephanie Zvirin Product DescriptionWith her nearly broke and practically homeless mother about to land on her doorstep, Robyn Guthrie learns that desperation can play havoc with a daughter’s scruples.