Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Death of the Party
Death on Demand mystery, No. 16

by Carolyn Hart



      Media mogul Jeremiah Addison supposedly fell by accident down the marble staircase in his mansion, Heron House, on his private South Carolina Island, Golden Silk, during a house party. His sister-in-law, Britt Barlow, knows better because she found a wire strung across the stairway but never informed the police. Britt inherited the mansion and island plus Addison's fortune from her sister, Cissie, who was dying when Addison fell to his death.

Now, six months later, Britt receives a letter from one of the house guests stating that he knew of Britt's actions. To protect herself and to find out who set up the fall, Britt hires Max Darling of Confidential Commissions to unmask the killer. She hosts a reunion of the people previously present at the time of the accident. Max argues against the danger of such a gathering, but when Britt is adamant, agrees. With his wife, Annie Darling, Max joins the party of twelve suspects. The guest list includes the sons and wives of Addison, a reporter hoping for an anchor post on one of Addison's networks, a politician needing support from Addison and her husband, and a journalist. Before Max can make much progress, the houseman disappears, and the journalist, Everett Crenshaw is found murdered. Crenshaw, a columnist, had gathered enough mud on all the guests that each had a motive for his murder. Max, with the help of Annie, must delve into the lives and motives of all to find the murderer while they are being stalked by him (or her).

The story is a cozy who-dun-it with plenty of suspects, interesting characters and lots of red herrings. The usual cast of Broward's Rock, South Carolina is not part of this story. The atmosphere of the island with its suspicions and dangers is successfully evoked. The plot is well constructed and suspenseful with a surprising ending.

This is an enjoyable quick week-end read.

The Book

Avon/Harper Collins
March 2006
Paperback
0060004770
Mystery
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
NOTE:

The Reviewer

Barbara Buhrer
Reviewed 2006
NOTE:
© 2006 MyShelf.com