#43 - The Abortionist's Daughter by Elisabeth Hyde

Elisabeth Hyde combines a murder, social/political commentary, and family psychology into her book, The Abortionist's Daughter.

The basics of the plot: famous abortionist doctor is found murdered, husband and daughter go through a myriad of emotions coming to grips with the killing, and a murderer must be found.

This book delves into all sides of the abortion issue. It touches on the struggle between abortion providers and terroristic anti-abortion protest groups. It shows the struggle and emotional decisions faced by teenage unwed mothers and their families. And, it also shows the psychological struggle for family members of abortion doctors.

But, it's also a very good murder mystery.

I had misgivings about this book. The abortion debate can get so heated, and I've heard the argument from both sides. I really didn't know whether this book might be some sort of women's rights diatribe, or a preachy "abortion is murder'' story. It was neither. It showed the affects of abortion not only on the doctors themselves, but on their families, the families of pregnant women, unwed teenage mothers, and abortion protestors.....and, how the killing of a well-known abortionist would be a problem case at best for law enforcement.

Hyde told the story well without being preachy about either side of the issue, and unfolded a very interesting murder case with a great twist at the end.

50 Book Challenge 2007: 23/50