“Maternal Menace” by Terri Ann Armstrong

This novel is the prequel, the story behind the story. I now am able to see why Starleen is not quite balanced. Any psychiatrist can tell you that the root of many people’s problems lie with the parents. Perhaps…but there’s more. She and her sister Teddy fall victim to an out-of-control mother Pamela, and an absent father, David. That is, until their father finally witnesses the cruel and physical condemnation Pamela puts the girls through. Things get better when David takes them away from the delirium that is their mother. He meets Greta and begins a new life…a new family.

Well, that happy little family circle is not acceptable to Pamela. Those are her girls and there is no way Greta is going to ride off in the sunset with her family. Let’s just say, Starleen is never quite able to say she enjoyed much of her growing up years.

A perfect ending to a great trilogy that finally gives up the inside secrets about Starleen. We get to see the backdrop and what the hoopla of “Morning Menace” and “Medieval Menace” is all about. I’m so glad this is one book I didn’t miss! And yes, another must read that I’m recommending.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier Reina, author of “The Other Side: Melinda's Story”