Desperate Remedy    by Mary Kittredge Order:  USA  Can St. Martin's, 1994 (1993) Hardcover, Paperback     Reviewed by Theresa Ichino Edwina Crusoe is in the fortunate position of not needing to earn a living. However, she decided long ago that she wanted to do something useful, so she became a nurse. Successful in her chosen career, she discovered an additional talent for investigation. Edwina is now a special investigator, specializing in medical crimes. However, at present she plans to take some time off, as she is pregnant. Enter old childhood chum Ned Hunt. Ned has never been good at dealing with practicalities. Administrator at Chelsea Memorial Hospital (a position he owes to his wealthy mother's relentless influence), Ned has panicked due to a Situation. Dr. Victor Clarke was rushed to Emergency with an ugly gunshot wound, his wife killed by the same gunman. In critical condition, Clarke is the victim of a second attempt on his life. Although unsuccessful, the murderer strangled the night nurse in the attempt to reach Clarke. Reluctantly Edwina agrees to accept the case. Her life is further complicated by her mother's plea to help old friend Michael Munson, an irascible artist whose behaviour is not only alienating everyone in the hospital but threatening his own life. Then there is Edwina's friend, Dr. Allison Feinstein, herself wrestling with problems involving a couple of her colleagues. Can Edwina handle all this, especially while dealing with morning sickness? Of course she can. Kittredge has created a feisty and competent female protagonist, and tests her with worthy challenges. She has also peopled Desperate Remedy with memorable characters, who are fun to be with. 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