Turtle Baby: A Mystery Novel

by Abigail Padgett

Book Overview

Investigating a murder attempt in which the targeted victim was a Mayan infant, baffled child abuse investigator Bo Bradley undertakes a journey that leads her to Tijuana, where Mayan mysticism helps... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0892965800
• ISBN13: 9780892965809
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Mysterious Press
• Length: 278 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.9" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

A Riveting and Compelling Read

This is my first foray in to the world of Bo Bradley, created by Abigail Padgett. The author is truly remarkable, in that her heroine is the first character I have ever encountered who has a manic depressive disorder. Bo Bradley is a Child Protective Services imployee who, in this installment of the series must find the perpetrator behind the near-fatal poisoning of an eight-month-old Maya Indian boy who is staying with Latino caretakers while his mother Chac, a singer, desperately attempts to raise enough money to enable her to care for her child. Wile the case seems at first glance straightforward, Bo learns that the herb which nearly killed the child had to be carefully cultivated. Therefore, a mystery of who the culprit could be ensues. Could it be Chac herself, Chac's live-in lover, her manager, or someone else? Can Bo find the perpetrator befor he/she strikes again? Ms. Padgett's novel is extremely compelling. As Bo wrestles with her disorder and personal dilemmas about relationships, she also learns a great deal about the Maya culture, and gains a grter appreciation for preserving it. Her inner conflicts must be dealt with while simultaneously the inevitable conflict between herself and a determined and egotistical killer draws ever nearer. The supporting cast of characters are equally likable, particularly Bo's Spanish-speaking coworker Estrella, and her pediatrician boyfriend Andy. Bo's pet companion, a fox terrier named Mildred is a true delight. Rombo and Martin, two other companions add a commic touch to the novel. All the characters are spunky and a delight to meet. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone interested in other cultures, the mentally ill, and just an all-around excellent story that will be impossible to put down. Happy reading!

Turtle Baby

I also love Padgett's work and although I am from Oklahoma, not San Diego, I see many of the same cultural clashes she speaks of as we have a growing population of Mexicans, both legal and illegal pouring into our state. This book hits close to home with me as I work in a Health Department in a county surrounded on three sides by Native American Nations, and my best friend also suffers from a mental illness, and she too has struggled in her attempt to master it. I can see many of the prejudices in this novel that those without money, and from less powerful cultures face daily, but I take exception with the fact that the author seems to assume that all and only white people have these prejudices. However, the mystery itself is five star, especially owing to the surprise twist. I see Padgett's books not so much about the mystery but about Bradley's struggle to overcome her illness and at the same time handle issues that most of us who are "balanced" could never handle. It's too bad this book is out of print. It has a lot to say about the human condition, both good and bad.

Multi-Cultural Mystery, Visiting the Maya

Are you sick of the "crazed killer" plot device? Then try this series! This was my first meeting with manic-depressive social worker and sleuth Bo Bradley, and I'm very pleased to make her acquaintance. (The name must be a tribute to Boo Radley from "To Kill a Mockingbird" -- another mystery in which a mentally ill character plays an unexpected role).Padgett's compassion brings marginalized populations onto center stage. She presents the insider view of mental illness through a truly charming protagonist. Bo does her detecting amid realistically portrayed cycles of daily can't-miss-it medication and other routine annoyances, including a boss who snipes that she doesn't have a "real disability" and a well-meaning love interest who WANTS to understand, but... Padgett presents a respectful outsider's view of both Mexican and Mayan culture, careful to distinguish between them, and graceful enough with it to keep all the characters and settings entertaining and intriguing. If you pay attention, you'll figure out the first poisoning immediately (that's why I deducted one star) -- but the others will keep you guessing until the end. Padgett plays fair! No hidden clues, just a plethora of possibilities. A nice, meaty read that takes mystery fans where most have not gone before: into the world of the high-functioning mentally ill, without patronizing or demonizing anyone.