This conference brings back memories her of her first trade union experience back in 1984. Many of the same people are still around, still politicking and grasping for power. The conference in 1984 resulted in the tragic death of a good friend. This one has Lindsay being questioned by police in the matter of another death when a man Lindsay had argued with falls – or is pushed – through Lindsay's tenth story window.

The conference is seething with rumors, and Lindsay's determined snooping uncovers not only the truth about the current death, but a link to that of her friend all those years ago.

Fourth in the Lindsay Gordon series of mysteries, Conferences are Murder (originally titled Union Jack works well whether you have read the others or not. The mystery is tight and the nice bit of justified revenge at the end is most satisfying.

Not necessarily for the conventional (no pun intended – the book cover describes her as a "cynical, socialist, lesbian feminist") Lindsay is intensely real. Plus, her hard head and smart mouth make her an interesting character to follow around. She's got a lot of attitude, a funky sense of humor, and a way of getting into trouble. ("I'm beginning to wonder if I need danger money to live with you" her lover asks. Who can blame her?) Lindsay takes me through unfamiliar territory, but I'm enjoying the trip and beginning to pick up the lingo. ("I'll be gobsmacked.")

--Jeri Wright