Death Deals a Hand: A California Zephyr Mystery    by Janet Dawson Order:  USA  Can Perseverance Press, 2016 (2016) Softcover, e-Book      Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Death Deals a Hand by Janet Dawson could almost be a text book, but with her very precise method of describing the California Zephyr as well as the story that goes with it, this novel is well worth a read. Death Deals a Hand follows Death Rides the Zephyr, the first of the series. I thoroughly enjoyed the prior book. As a mystery lover, I appreciated the story line. My friend, who is a toy train enthusiast but knows bundles about the bigger trains, loved it also. He is waiting, and not too subtle about it, for this new one. I read as fast as I could. In April of 1953, Jill McLeod is a Zephyrette, with myriad duties, on board the California Zephyr on the way to San Francisco from Chicago. The Zephyr was a real train and as lush a ride as is described in this novel. Made me want to buy a ticket immediately. But I'm assured the train as it existed then is no longer available. Dawson's announcements about the scenery the train passed (which was broadcast on a loudspeaker system) drew me into Jill's character. She is able to meet any challenge that arises as the train click-clacks along the rails. A passenger is shot to death and Jill is first on the scene. We meet many of the other passengers and wonder who could have held the gun. The book is a top-rate accomplishment. My interest in the plot never wavered. Didn't help me to decide who the killer was, though. Missed again. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews