Fiction Review

The Calico Club
by Marjorie Knorr
ISBN-10: 1930859635
Review by Heather Froeschl


Darlene has dreams of becoming an Art student. She has talent as a painter and has found her passion. Randolph is a biologist, studying birds, in need of a research project to publish a paper on. Darlene and Randolph meet when she saves him from an irrational rancher with a shotgun. Upon escorting her home he discovers that she lives in a brothel and she works there too.

His discovery in the desert, the Bristle-thighed Curlews, is an important one and he has found his project. Darlene becomes his research assistant by day, continuing her night job, and Randolph agrees to help her look into attending college classes. The birds are big news though and the Feds get involved in protecting them and their environment. The locals aren't happy about this and eventually conflicts arise.

A fence is put up by the Feds and the locals retaliate by vandalizing government vehicles. Darlene's presence as a bird watcher is noted and threats are made against her. Whose side is she on anyway? The locals need the fenced off road and dont like being told what to do. A fire is started in the brothel and Darlene finds herself in a position to start her life over.

With nothing to lose but her reputation, she finds Randolph and persuades him to let her stay in his guest room. Will the two ever break through the stigma of her past? She begins her career as a college student and finds she is truly talented in painting. Her life is changing for the better. But someone at the college knows who she is and threatens to expose her. In the process he could destroy Randolph's career. And the Curlews are nesting amongst bulldozers and angry ranchers. Will the rare birds stay with their nests?

With a plot surrounding an artistically talented [...], a prudish professor, a town up in arms and an evil-minded schemer, the author has created a very interesting tale of life lessons. A view that is not often shown, Marjorie Knorr introduces us to the world of the oldest profession. An entertaining read!